Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards
What is the prognosis for pancreatic cancer?
Very poor prognosis
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late.
What type of cancer primarily comprises pancreatic cancer cases?
Adenocarcinomas
The majority of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas.
Where do most pancreatic tumors occur?
Head of the pancreas
Most pancreatic cancers occur in the head of the pancreas.
What condition can result from a large tumor in the head of the pancreas?
Obstructive jaundice
A large tumor can compress the bile ducts.
What are the most common sites for metastasis of pancreatic cancer?
- Liver
- Peritoneum
- Lungs
- Bones
Pancreatic cancers tend to metastasise early.
What is a key clinical feature of pancreatic cancer?
Painless obstructive jaundice
This includes symptoms like yellow skin and sclera.
List some symptoms of painless obstructive jaundice.
- Yellow skin and sclera
- Pale stools
- Dark urine
- Generalised itching
These symptoms are associated with obstructive jaundice.
What is Courvoisier’s law?
Palpable gallbladder + jaundice indicates pancreatic cancer rather than gallstones
This is a clinical sign used in diagnosis.
What is Trousseau’s sign of malignancy?
Migratory thrombophlebitis
This can be very indicative of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
What is a potential indicator of pancreatic cancer in patients over 40?
Jaundice
A two-week wait referral is indicated for patients over 40 with jaundice.
What imaging technique is commonly used for diagnosing pancreatic cancer?
CT scan
Diagnosis is based on imaging and biopsy.
What tumor marker is associated with pancreatic cancer?
CA19-9
This marker is typically raised in pancreatic cancer.
What are the surgical options for pancreatic cancer management?
- Total pancreatectomy
- Distal pancreatectomy
- Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD)
- Radical pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure)
These surgeries depend on the extent of disease spread.
What is a common palliative treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Stents to relieve obstruction
Palliative treatment is often required as curative surgery is not possible in most cases.
True or False: Curative surgery is often possible for pancreatic cancer.
False
In most cases, curative surgery is not possible.
What is indicated for patients over 60 with weight loss and an additional symptom?
Direct access CT abdomen
Additional symptoms may include diarrhea, back pain, or new-onset diabetes.
What CT scan sign represents pancreatic cancer?
double duct sign
Simultaneous dilatation of bilde duct and pancreatic ducts
