Diseases
pancreatic cancer
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. Smoking and health history can affect the risk of pancreatic cancer. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, pain, and weight loss. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early.
Symptoms
- abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
- light-colored stools
- dark-colored urine
Causes
- pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas develop changes (mutations) in their dna. a cell's dna contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do.
Risk factors
- diabetes
- smoking
- chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Diagnosis
- blood test.
- imaging tests that create pictures of the internal organs.
- using a scope to create ultrasound pictures of your pancreas.
- removing a tissue sample for testing (biopsy).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. Smoking and health history can affect the risk of pancreatic cancer. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, pain, and weight loss. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
abdominal pain that radiates to your back, loss of appetite or unintended weight loss, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), light-colored stools, dark-colored urine
What causes pancreatic cancer?
pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas develop changes (mutations) in their dna. a cell's dna contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do.
Which medicines are used for pancreatic cancer?
erlotinib, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, mitomycin, sunitinib
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