Flashcards in Pancreatic carcinoma Deck (10)
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1
Where do 70% of cancers of the pancreas occur?
The head of the pancreas
2
List some factors which have been associated with the development of pancreatic carcinoma?
Smoking
Chronic pancreatitis (which may be secondary to excessive alcohol consumption)
High fat diet
Diabetes mellitus
Occupational exposure to coal gas and aluminium
3
What type of cancer makes up 75% of pancreatic cancers?
Adenomas
4
Pancreatic cancers are rarely a result of endocrine neoplasias such as what?
Insulinoma
Glucagonoma
5
What age group does pancreatic cancer normally affect?
The elderly
Rare in people under 50 years of age
6
Are men or women more affected, and what is the ratio?
Men are more commonly affected, in the ration 3:2
7
What is the 5 year survival of pancreatic cancer?
3%- worst of all cancers
8
List some presenting features of pancreatic carcinoma?
Weight loss
Deep epigastric pain which radiates to the back in 60% of cases
Jaundice with pruritus if cancer affects head of pancreas (50% of cases)
Ascites with a knobbly liver
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
Palpable gallbladder (coursoivier's law)
9
What is the curative treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Surgery- radical pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Whipple's operation may be used
10
