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Pancreatic Cancer
Medical Questions » Pancreatic Cancer
| Name: Pancreatic Cancer |
| Also known as: |
| Cancer of the pancreas, which is an organ that sits in the center of the belly behind the umbilicus and secretes digestive enzymes that are discharged via a duct, that it shares with the gall bladder, into the small
intestine. |
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
Unknown. Cancer usually occurs in the end nearest the discharging duct (the head of the pancreas). |
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The enlarging cancer puts pressure on the adjacent duct from the gall bladder, preventing bile from escaping. The build up in bile results in liver damage and jaundice (yellow skin), which is often the first symptom. Other
symptoms include vague belly and back pain, weight loss, poor food digestion, diarrhoea and blood clots in veins. |
Tests for Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosis confirmed by blood tests and a CT or MRI scan. |
Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
Involves major surgery to remove the cancer and reroute the duct from the gall bladder to the gut. Follow up radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be undertaken.
|
Complications of Pancreatic Cancer of its treatment
Liver failure and spread of the cancer to adjacent lymph nodes and organs. |
Likely Outcome of Pancreatic Cancer
Depends upon the type of cancer and how far it has spread, but is generally poor. |
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