Insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma in a cat

J Vet Intern Med. 1992 May-Jun;6(3):193-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1992.tb00336.x.

Abstract

A functional, insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma was diagnosed in a 17-year-old male Siamese cat. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs (i.e., seizures and stupor) that resolved temporarily after correction of hypoglycemia with feeding or intravenous administration of glucose, the finding of an inappropriately increased serum insulin concentration in the face of hypoglycemia, and prolonged resolution of hypoglycemia after surgical removal of the tumor. Primary islet cell tumor of the pancreas was confirmed by biopsy. The cat died 18 months later, and necropsy revealed metastases to regional lymph nodes and liver. Specimens of the tumor and metastatic lesions both stained positively for insulin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / blood
  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / pathology
  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / secondary
  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / blood
  • Cat Diseases / pathology*
  • Cats
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / blood
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / veterinary*