Pancreatic cancer overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour within the pancreatic gland.
About 95 percent of pancreatic tumors are adenocarcinomas (Template:ICDO). The remaining 5 percent include other tumors of the exocrine pancreas (e.g. serous cystadenomas), acinar cell cancers, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (such as insulinomas, Template:ICDO, Template:ICDO). These tumors have a completely different diagnostic and therapeutic profile, and generally a more favorable prognosis.[1]
Historical prospective
Pancreatic cancer was first discovered in the 18th-century by Italian scientist Giovanni Battista Morgagni.
Classification
Pancreatic cancer can be classified into malignant and borderline malignant. Duct cell carcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pancreatic adenocarcinoma includes considerable desmoplasia or formation of a dense fibrous stroma or structural tissue consisting of a range of cell types (including myofibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells) and deposited material (such as type I collagen and hyaluronic acid).
Differentiating Pancreatic Cancer from other Diseases
Pancreatic cancer must be differentiated from choledocholithiasis, pancreatic pseudocyst, cystic neoplasm and carcinoma of the biliary tract
Epidemiology and Demographics
In the United States, the age-adjusted prevalence of invasive pancreatic cancer is 11.7 per 100,000 in 2011.[2] Pancreatic cancer is more prevalent in males than females.
Risk Factors
Pancreatic cancer is associated with number of predisposing risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental exposures.
Screening
In the general population, screening of large groups is not currently considered effective, although newer techniques, and the screening of tightly targeted groups, are being evaluated.[3][4] Nevertheless, regular screening with endoscopic ultrasound and MRI/CT imaging is recommended for pancreatic cancer in high risk individuals.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with complete remission extremely rare.[1]
Diagnosis
Staging
There are four stages of pancreatic cancer based on the size and extent of cancer spread.
History and Symptoms
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, light-colored stools or dark urine, pain in the upper/middle abdomen and back, weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue.
Physical Examination
Physical examination of patients with pancreatic cancer is usually remarkable for tenderness, weight loss, and jaundice.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer include abnormal liver function tests and elevated CA 19-9 and CEA levels.
Chest X-ray
There are no chest X-ray findings associated with Pancreatic cancer
Ultrasound
On ultrasound metastasis to liver and fluid in the peritoneal cavity can be identified.
Other imaging findings
ERCP and PTC are other imaging techniques that can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The therapy for pancreatic cancer depends largely on the disease progression and the patient's stage of cancer. Chemotherapy may be administered when surgical intervention is not deemed appropriate.
Surgery
The mainstay of therapy for pancreatic cancer is surgery. The most common surgical treatment for cancer involving the pancreas is the Whipple procedure.
Treatment by Stage
Pancreatic cancer treatment can vary depending on the stage of cancer.
Primary Prevention
Research suggests that lifestyle factors such as change in diet, exercise, and maintenance of weight can influence the likelihood an individual developing pancreatic cancer.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ghaneh P, Costello E, Neoptolemos JP (2007). "Biology and management of pancreatic cancer". Gut. 56 (8): 1134–52. doi:10.1136/gut.2006.103333. PMID 17625148.
- ↑ Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Garshell J, Miller D, Altekruse SF, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z,Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2011, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2011/, based on November 2013 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2014.
- ↑ He XY, Yuan YZ (August 2014). "Advances in pancreatic cancer research: moving towards early detection". World J. Gastroenterol. 20 (32): 11241–8. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i32.11241. PMC 4145762. PMID 25170208.
- ↑ Okano K, Suzuki Y (August 2014). "Strategies for early detection of resectable pancreatic cancer". World J. Gastroenterol. 20 (32): 11230–40. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i32.11230. PMC 4145761. PMID 25170207.