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Pancreatic carcinoma

Definition

Pancreatic carcinoma is cancer of the pancreas.

Alternative Names

Pancreatic cancer; Cancer - pancreas

Causes

Pancreatic cancer is slightly more common in men than in women. The risk increases with age.

The cause is unknown, but it is more common in smokers and in people who are obese. Almost a third of cases of pancreatic cancer are due to cigarette smoking.

There is controversy as to whether type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. A small number of cases are known to be related to syndromes that are passed down through families.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Back pain
Clay-colored stools
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Indigestion
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Paleness
Weakness
Weight loss

Exams and Tests

Abdominal CT scan
Abdominal MRI
Abdominal ultrasound
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic ultrasound
Pancreatic biopsy

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

Treatment

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group with members who share common experiences and problems (see cancer - support group).

Outlook (Prognosis)

Some patients with pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed are cured. However, in more than 80% of patients the tumor has already spread and cannot be completely removed at the time of diagnosis.

Chemotherapy and radiation are often given after surgery to increase the cure rate. For pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed completely with surgery, or cancer that has spread beyond the pancreas, a cure is not possible and the average survival is usually less than 1 year. Such patients might consider enrolling in a clinical trial (a medical research study to determine the best treatment).

This cancer has a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%, meaning 95% of the people diagnosed with it will not be alive 5 years later.

Possible Complications

Blood clots
Depression
Infections
Liver problems
Pain
Weight loss

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have:

Back pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Persistent abdominal pain
Other symptoms of this disorder

Prevention

If you smoke, stop smoking.
Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly.

References

Brand R. Pancreatic cancer. Dis Mon. 2004;50:545-555.

Review Date: 8/17/2008
Reviewed By: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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