Pancreatic cancer Health Article

Definition

The pancreas is a gland found in the abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes juice that breaks down fats and proteins and releases hormones, such as insulin, to control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells of the pancreas. Spreading of cancer from the original site to other areas in the body is known as metastasis. A higher than average number of pancreatic cancer cases occurring in the same family is known as familial pancreatic cancer.

Description

Most pancreatic cancer grows from cells from the exocrine pancreas, the secreting portion of the pancreas. The most common appearance of pancreatic cancer cells is gland-like, which is termed "adenocarcinoma."

In most cases, it is difficult to determine the cause of the pancreatic cancer. Both environmental as well as genetic risk factors have been suggested for pancreatic cancer. A high fat diet has been linked to increased pancreatic cancer risk whereas diets high in vegetables and fruits seem to lower the risk. Smoking is known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that as many as 30% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to smoking. Alcohol use and coffee consumption has been linked with increased pancreatic cancer risk, in some studies, but this connection has not been proven. Previous stomach surgery also may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Certain occupations such as farming or manufacturing may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The relationship of diabetes to pancreatic cancer has been closely studied. It is uncertain whether diabetes is the cause or the symptom of pancreatic cancer. Presence of diabetes; however, may alert health care providers to the presence of pancreatic cancer. Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, as well. Genetic risk factors have also been reported.

Genetic profile

Several studies have reported a higher rate of pancreatic cancer in relatives of individuals with the disease. Hereditary causes are estimated to account for about 10% of all pancreatic cancer. Some risk is thought to be due to known hereditary conditions whereas in other cases a known genetic syndrome has not been determined.