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Pancreatic carcinoma Causes and Risks:
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cancer causing death in the U.S. The disease is more common in men especially those between 60 and 70 years. The cause is unknown, but the incidence is greater in smokers. High fat diet and chemical exposures may increase the risk.
Prevention:
If you smoke, stop smoking . If your diet is high in fat , dietary adjustments may help reduce the risk.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
At the time of diagnosis, only about 20% of the tumors are operable. Palliative measures such as a bypass of biliary (liver secretion) obstruction can be performed. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group .
Prognosis:
The median survival rate is 6 months from the time of diagnosis. Radiation and chemotherapy prolong survival for between 15 and 30% of patients.
Complications:
Unfortunately, this cancer is usually fatal.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain , loss of appetite , fatigue , back pain , or other symptoms of this disorder.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a tumor (pancreas carcinoma) in the head of the pancreas, seen here in the middle of the picture.
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