Pancreatic cancer, also referred to as exocrine cancer, occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop on the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing hormones and enzymes that aid digestion and metabolism. Because pancreatic cancer develops quickly and has relatively few symptoms in its early stages, by the time doctors detect, it is usually in advanced stages. As a result, pancreatic... Read more >
Just as cancer can affect nearly any part of the body, so too can it affect any part of the pancreas. However, in about 95 percent of all pancreatic cancer cases, patients suffer from adenocarcinomas, tumors that grow in the enzyme-producing duct cells of the pancreas. Because this type of tumor affects the pancreas’ secretion ducts, adenocarcinoma, as well as pancreatic cancer itself, is also... Read more >
As with any cancer, treatment for pancreatic cancer revolves around the location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Similarly, the types of treatment a patient can receive will also depend on whether or not the cancer has metastasized (spread) to any other part of the body. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths for two... Read more >
ResourcesAcinic Cell Carcinoma Information Center. (nd). Acinic cell carcinoma related definitions. Retrieved March 20, 2003, from www.aciniccell.org/definitions.html.Banks, P. (nd). Pancreatic cysts. National Pancreas Foundation. Retrieved March 19, 2003, from www.pancreasfoundation.org/pancreaticcysts.html. Cancer Research UK. (updated 2002).Pancreatic cancer. Retrieved March 11, 2003, from... Read more >
Benign pancreatic cysts, also known as adenomas, are abnormal tissue growths. Unlike malignant growths, pancreatic cysts do not invade surrounding tissue, nor do they metastasize and spread to other organs. Although a small percentage of benign growths eventually become malignant, most are harmless, and do not require treatment unless symptoms develop. Benign pancreatic neoplasms are very rare diseases... Read more >
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, surrounded by the stomach, intestines and liver, and is responsible for the production of insulin and digestive juices. Because it is shielded by other organs, the pancreas cannot be physically examined or palpated.Statistics and Mortality Rates Every year 29,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in the United States, a relatively small number of cases, when... Read more >
When cancer of the pancreas is suspected, a medical diagnosis is complicated by the physical location of the gland. It is buried in the abdomen, making a physical examination or palpation impossible. Before the advent of modern diagnostic techniques, the pancreas was referred to as "the hermit of the abdomen," a reference to it's well-protected location. Diagnostic Tools If cancer of the pancreas is suspected... Read more >
The pancreas is a gland located behind your stomach that's considered to be part of your digestive system. It secretes pancreatic juices into the small intestine that help digestion. The pancreas also produces hormones and other substances. One such hormone is insulin, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar in your blood. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells grow on the pancreas. What Causes... Read more >
Related Topics
About Us
The Morefocus Media network provides news and timely information across thousands of interlinked topics from health through education, to work and lifestyle issues. Integration of a highly focused blog and community network provides consumers with the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals and share comments, views and opinions.
Learn More >>© morefocus group, inc.