What is a characteristic symptom of glucagonoma?

A characteristic symptom of glucagonoma is the presence of skin lesions with vesiculobullous characteristics. Glucagonoma is a rare type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that secretes excess amounts of the hormone glucagon. One of the hallmark clinical features associated with this tumor is a condition known as necrolytic migratory erythema, which manifests as red, blistering, and often painful skin lesions. These lesions typically occur in areas prone to friction and can worsen with time.

The presence of elevated blood glucose levels can occur due to the glucagon stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver; however, it is not as specific to glucagonoma as the skin lesions. While recurrent abdominal pain and weight gain may be related to other conditions or side effects, they do not directly characterize glucagonoma in the same way that the distinctive skin manifestations do. Thus, understanding the skin manifestations provides a clearer signal of the disorder and its systemic impacts.