Follow up for insulinoma

Insulinoma is a type of neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of the pancreas. You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment for insulinoma. This is called follow up.

Why you have follow up

You have follow up appointments to check how you are and see if you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

How often you have follow up

After surgery you are likely to have an appointment with your doctor between 2 to 6 weeks after you go home.

Then you have appointments with your doctor or specialist nurse at regular intervals. You usually see them every 3 to 6 months after treatment for insulinoma that had spread to other parts of the body. You see them less often if you have had surgery to cure the insulinoma. 

What happens

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. 

You will also have blood tests during some visits.

Between appointments

Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.

It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is a UK wide charity providing support and information to those affected by neuroendocrine cancer. They also have a helpline.

Cancer Research UK information nurses