Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Neoplasia de células beta
Beta cell neoplasm (BAY-tuh sel NEE-oh-PLA-zum)
An abnormal mass that grows in the beta cells of the pancreas that make insulin. Beta cell neoplasms are usually benign (not cancer). They secrete insulin and are the most common cause of low blood sugar caused by having too much insulin in the body. Also called beta cell tumor of the pancreas, insulinoma, and pancreatic insulin-producing tumor.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.