title: [Insulinomas in Tampere University Hospital Special Responsibility Area in 1980-2010].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Insulin-producing neuroendocrine tumours (iNETs) are rare, but their incidence is increasing. We studied the incidence, clinical picture, diagnostics, and treatment of insulinomas diagnosed in 1980 to 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of insulinomas diagnosed in Tampere University Hospital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found 23 iNET cases corresponding to an incidence of 0.7/million/year. All had neuroglycopenic symptoms and 83% had autonomic ones. The median diagnostic delay (from first symptoms up to diagnosis) was 25 months. Preoperative imaging found the tumor in 87%. Twenty-one out of 22 patients who underwent surgery recovered completely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite improved imaging the diagnostic delay of iNETs remained unchanged. Hypoglycemia and insulinoma should be considered as a cause of unspecific, symptomatic attacks.
authors.forename: Elina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uitto
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hannula
authors.forename: Saara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Metso
authors.forename: Martine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vornanen
authors.forename: Juhani
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sand
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jaatinen
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007340:Insulinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies