Cancer of the Pancreas By Cindy Mendez

What is the pancreas? The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the duodenum.

The pancreas has two main functions: To secrete powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. To release the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. (regulating blood glucose levels).

What is cancer of the pancreas ? Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. (The digestive juices are produced by exocrine pancreas cells and the hormones are produced by endocrine pancreas cells. About 95% of pancreatic cancers begin in exocrine cells.) And is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US and canada

Etiology/pathophysiology Exact Causes are unknown But are often related to.. smoking People exposed to carcinogens People with pancreatitis People with diabetes mellitus Diets high in fat, meat, and coffee

Symptoms include the following: Jaundice Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Fatigue

Symptoms (cont’d) Flatulence Change in stool Depression Pruritis And onset of diabetes

Diagnostics Health history performing a physical exam CT scan MRI Endoscopic ultrasound

Diagnostics (cont’d) Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts) Biopsy

Medical management Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy If necessary to remove tumor (not typical) Or pancreatoduodenectomy Whipple procedure Total pancreatectomy Chemotherapy Combination of 5-fu and Gemzar Radiation therapy Does not alter survival rate but helps with pain Adjuvant therapy

Interventions/ teaching Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance Preventing hemorrhage Preventing respiratory complications Monitoring endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas

Interventions/ teaching Encourage friends and family members to support patient for patient’s well being Providing active listening and caring skills.

Prognosis Very poor About 5-12 months after diagnosis 5 yr survival rate is less than 10 %