pancreatic cancer

Question 1

what is the prognosis for people with pancreatic cancer?

Answer 1

death within 5-12 mo

only 5% survival to 5 years

Question 2

what are the clinical manifestation

Answer 2

same as pancreatitis

Question 3

what are the risk factors of pancreatic cancer ?

Answer 3

1. high-fat diet
2. red meat; nitrates
3. smoking- 2-3x more likely
4. age
5. diabetes
6. exposure to chemicals
7. family history/ genetic predisposition (5-10%)

Question 4

pancreatic cancer diagnostic test

Answer 4

1. tumor markers in serum
   - -elevated CA 19-9
   - -CEA tumor marker
2. CT
   3 Transabdominal ultrasound
3. endoluminal ultrasound (EUS)
   –alternative to CT and more refined

Question 5

what does and endoscopy do for pancreatic cancer?

Answer 5

1. visualize obstruction of ducts
2. ERCP gold standard
3. biopsy
4. samples of pancreatic secretions

Question 6

pancreatitis treatments: pt care and meds

Answer 6

1. pt care and meds same as for pancreatitis

Question 7

pancreatitis treatments: combination treatment

Answer 7

1. radiation therapy to shrink tumor and relieve pain (palliative)
2. chemotherapy has limited success (response rates <15%)
3. surgical option: whipple procedure

Question 8

what is a whipple procedure or radical pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Answer 8

1. removal of head of pancreas, gallbladder, duodenum, part of the stomach and lymph nodes
2. reconnecting of remaining pancreas and digestive organs