Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards Preview

Pathophysiology Term 2 > Pancreatic Cancer > Flashcards

Flashcards in Pancreatic Cancer Deck (9)
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1
Q

Who has a higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer?

A

there is a higher prevalence in:

  • men
  • smokers
  • black population
2
Q

What is the mortality rate for pancreatic cancer?

A

90% in the first year

3
Q

What is the cause of pancreatic cancer?

A

gene mutation

4
Q

What are factors linked to pancreatic cancer?

A
  • smoking (major risk)
  • alcohol
  • diabetes mellitus
  • chronic pancreatitis
  • age (over 50 years old)
  • poor diet/lifestyle
5
Q

What kind of cancer is most pancreatic cancer?

A

90% are adenocarcinomas (duct epithelium)

6
Q

What causes the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

A

the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are most often due to the tumour/mass itself affecting the surrounding tissue rather than the decrease in function of the pancreas due to the tumour

7
Q

What are classic manifestations of pancreatic cancer?

A
  • weight loss
  • abdominal pain
  • jaundice
8
Q

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

A
  • exclude other stuff

- ultrasound, CT

9
Q

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

A
  • by the time it is detected, it has usually already metastasized
  • pain control is key
  • surgery might be used to debulk a bit if it is a primary tumour
  • palliative care, radiation
  • chemo not generally very effective