Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards
What is the ranking of pancreatic cancer as a cause of cancer death?
5th most common cause of cancer death
< 2% of all malignancy
What are the general characteristics of pancreatic cancer prognosis?
Presents late, metastasises early –> POOR PROGNOSIS
Name three lifestyle-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Age 60+
- Chronic pancreatitis
What symptom is associated with cancer of the head of the pancreas?
Painless + obstructive jaundice
What symptoms are associated with cancer of the body and tail of the pancreas?
- Epigastric pain
- Radiating to back
- Relived by sitting forward
List three general symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
- Weight loss
- Diabetes
- Acute pancreatitis
What does painless jaundice indicate in pancreatic cancer?
Common Bile Duct obstruction –> PAINLESS jaundice = malignancy
What are some signs of pancreatic cancer?
- Jaundice
- Hepatomegaly (malignancy)
- RUQ mass
- Epigastric pain
- Ascites
What blood tests are relevant for investigating pancreatic cancer?
- Liver: transaminases
- ALP
- Bilirubin
- CA19-9 = tumour marker
What imaging technique is used to locate obstruction in pancreatic cancer?
USS (Ultrasound)
What does CT imaging help identify in pancreatic cancer?
Liver mets
What is the most sensitive imaging technique for pancreatic cancer that can also biopsy masses?
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)
What imaging techniques are used for staging pancreatic cancer?
- MRCP
- ERCP
What surgical procedure is performed in pancreatic cancer patients?
Pancreatoduodenectomy
Only used on 10% of patients! Very few survive!
What is a common post-operative treatment for surgical patients with pancreatic cancer?
Post-operative chemotherapy
What are the management strategies for non-surgical pancreatic cancer patients?
- Pain management
- Jaundice: use of stents to unblock CBD
- ** Palliative care team**
