Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
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
