4.3. Pancreatic Disease - Carcinoma of the Pancreas Flashcards
What is happening to the Incidence of Pancreatic Carcinoma?
It is increasing
Is Pancreatic Carcinoma more common in Males or Females?
Males
In what age group is Pancreatic Carcinoma most commonly found?
60-80 year olds
What are risk factors for Pancreatic Cancer?
- Smoking
- Excessive Alcoholism
- Excessive intake of Coffee and Aspirin
What types of Pancreatic Carcinoma are there?
- Duct Cell Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (75% of cases)
- Acinar Cell Adenocarcinoma (5% of cases)
- Carcinosarcoma (Rare)
- Cystadenocarcinoma (Rare)
What causes the Dysplasia of Pancreatic Cells?
Successive Accumulation of Gene Mutations
In what sites do Duct Cell Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (DCMA’s) occur?
- The Head of the Pancreas (60% of DCMA’s)
- The Body of the Pancreas (13% of DCMA’s)
- The Tail of the Pancreas (5% of DCMA’s)
- Multiple Sites (22% of DCMA’s)
Where does the Pancreatic Cancer originate?
The Ductal Cell Epithelum
What does the Pancreatic Carcinoma evolve from / to?
From - Premalignant Lesion
To - Fully Invasive Cancer
What are the Clinical Signs of Pancreatic Carcinoma in the Head of the Pancreas?
- Jaundice
- Scratch Marks
- A Palpable Gallbladder and Cholestatic Signs
- A Palpable Mass
- Thrombophlebitis Migrans
What are the Clinical Signs of Pancreatic Carcinoma in the Body / Tail of the Pancreas?
- None (Most common)
- Thromboembolic Phenomina / Polyarthiritis
- Skin Nodules
- Lymphadenopathy
What causes the Jaundice / Palpable Gallbladder and Cholestatic Signs in Carcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas?
The Carcinoma Obstructing the Common Bile Duct
What causes the Dermatological Scratch Marks / Hepatomegaly occur in Carcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas?
These are Secondary to Cholestatic Symptoms - Due to the Liver Dysfunction and Hyperbilirubinaemia
What is Thrombophlebitis Migrans? And why does it occur in Carcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas?
A Migrating Vein Inflammation due to the potential of portal hypertension
Why does Thromboembolic Phenomina / Polyarthiritis occur in Carcinoma in the Body / Tail of the Pancreas?
This is not fully understood