Overview
Definition
Highly lethal cancer of the exocrine pancreas.
Epidemiology
4th leading cause of cancer-related death; 5-year survival ~10%.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Diabetes
- BRCA mutations
Clinical Symptoms
- Painless jaundice
- Weight loss
- Epigastric pain radiating to back
- Migratory thrombophlebitis (Trousseau sign)
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- CT Abdomen with pancreatic protocol
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy
- CA 19-9 marker
Management
- Whipple procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) if resectable
- FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy
Complications
- Rapid metastasis to liver
- Biliary obstruction