Pancreatic Carcinoma Flashcards
What are the two main cells in the pancreas and their function
Exocrine (produce digestive enzymes) and endocrine (regulate metabolism through hormones, such as blood sugar).
What cells are the majority of tumours
Exocrine cells
Where in the pancreas do cancers normally develop
Head/neck of pancreas
Risk factors
Smoking, obesity, red meat, male, african american, over 65, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis (ALCOHOL!!!)
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, malabsorption, anorexia, epigastric pain radiating to back and worse when lying.
What is trousseau’s sign of malignancy
Blood clots felt as small lumps under the skin
What is coursvoier’s sign
Enlarged palpable gallbladder that is painless
What does a tumour at the head of the pancreas cause and what are the symptoms
Obstructive jaundice; loss of appetite, dark urine, lighter stools, pruitis and yellow skin
What can diabetes show
New onset pancreatic carcinoma in the endocrine cells
Lab tests for pancreatic tumour. Are these able to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma?
No they cannot, a scan is needed. Increased serum amylase, serum lipase, CA19-9 antigen (immune surveillance), CEA (glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion), bilirubin and albumin.
What is stage one pancreatic carcinoma
Less that 2cm
What is stage two pancreatic carcinoma
More than 2cm
What is stage three pancreatic carcinoma
Invading neighboring tissues
What is stage four pancreatic carcinoma
Metastasis
Treatment of pancreatic carcinoma
Surgery is gold standard if possible. Sometimes chemo is used before and/or after the surgery and chemo is used when surgery is not possible
