Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards
What are some findings on examination for pancreatic cancer
- jaundice
- palpable gall bladder
- epigastric mass
- hepatomegaly
- splenomegaly
- lymphadenopathy
- ascites
what is the primary clinical feature of a head of pancreas tumour
painless obstructive jaundice
what genetic mutation is associated with pancreatic cancer
KRAS2 mutation
how do the majority of tumours in the body and tail of the pancreas present
mid epigastric pain - radiates to back and is relieved by sitting forward
what are some associated clinical features of pancreatic cancer
anorexia weight loss diabetes acute pancreatitis itching
what are some risk factors for pancreatic cancer
- alcohol
- smoking
- diabetes
- chronic pancreatitis
- family hx
what might you see on CT or USS scan of a patient with pancreatic cancer
- pancreatic mass
- dilated biliary tree
- hepatic metastases
what investigations should you do if you suspect pancreatic cancer
- bloods
- ultrasound
- contrast enhanced CT
why might you want to do ERCP or MRCP
you may be able to insert a stent into the common bile duct to relieve obstructive jaundice in inoperable patients
what is a whipple’s procedure
an operation to remove the head of pancreas, the duodenum, the gall bladder and the bile duct
what surgical procedure can be performed for pancreatic cancer confined to the head of pancreas
Whipple’s procedure
How does an insulinoma present
recurrent hypoglycaemia
How does a gastrinoma present
peptic ulcers and steatorrhoea
