Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma typically arises in the ductal cells in the head of the pancreas. RISK FACTORS: Smoking, family history, and a history of chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, the vague symptoms of pain and weight loss lead to late diagnosis and poor prognosis (the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%). DIAGNOSIS: CT/MRI, endoscopy with fine-needle aspiration, and laboratory tests. TREATMENT: Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) and/or adjuvant therapies, symptom control. Many pancreatic tumors are unresectable due to invasion of major blood vessels and/or metastases. For References, please see tutorial on Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer