Pancreatic Cancer Flashcards
What is the predominant type of cancer in the pancreas?
Adenocarcinoma
Why do pancreatic cancers present late?
Only symptomatic once it’s large enough to block the biliary tree.
Where do pancreatic cancers first metastasise to?
Liver
Where else do pancreatic cancers metastasise to?
- Peritoneum
- Lung
- Bones
What is the prognosis if a pancreatic cancer is caught early?
25% at 5 years
What is the prognosis in advanced pancreatic cancer?
6 months
What is Courvoisier’s Law?
Painless jaundice and a non-tender gallbladder is pancreatic cancer.
How does pancreatic cancer present?
- Painless jaundice
- Steatorrhoea
- Weight loss
- Dark urine/pale stools
- Palpable mass
What is the tumour marker for pancreatic cancer?
Ca 19-9
What imaging is used in pancreatic cancer?
- CT CAP (Staging and Mets)
- Endoscopic USS
What is a Whipple’s Procedure?
- Head of pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Duodenum
- Pylorus
What is a Modified Whipple’s Procedure?
- Head of pancreas
- Gallbadder
- Duodenum
What may be used in conjunction with a Whipple’s Procedure?
Chemo
What treatments may be used palliatively?
- Chemo
- Stenting (ERCP) to relieve obstruction
