Pancreatic cancer

Question 1

Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in the…

Answer 1

Head of the pancreas

Question 2

What is the most common type of pancreatic cancer histologically?

Answer 2

Adenocarcinoma

Question 3

What are the typical symptoms/signs of pancreatic cancer?

Answer 3

• Painless jaundice
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Pruritis

Question 4

What is the key differential for pancreatic cancer?

Answer 4

Cholangiocarcinoma (this is much less common)

Question 5

What is Trousseau’s sign of malignancy?

Answer 5

Refers to migratory thrombophlebitis as a sign of malignancy (particularly pancreatic adenocarcinoma)

Question 6

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Answer 6

Imaging (CT) plus biopsy

Question 7

Which tumour marker may be raised in pancreatic cancer?

Answer 7

CA 19-9

Question 8

Cases of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer will be referred to…

Answer 8

Hepatobiliary (HPB) MDT

Question 9

Which surgical options are available to treat pancreatic cancer? When is surgery generally considered an option in pancreatic cancer?

Answer 9

• Total pancreatectomy
• Distal pancreatectomy
• Whipple/modified Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)

Surgery is generally only considered an option if the cancer has not spread