Question

Elaborate on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer.

Answer 1

The pancreatic cancer is the cancer of the pancreas and in this the pancreatic cells multiply out of control. It is very severe it results in pain in the abdominal area we will see redness, pain and vomiting and sudden weight loss, and the cancerous cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer classified into two types, they are

Cancer that originates in cells that produce enzymes (exocrine cells). 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumor.

Cancer that originates in the cells that produce hormones(endocrine cells)

Symptoms:

Jaundice, pain in abdomen and back, digestion problems, enlarged gall bladder, insulinimas, glucagonimas, gastrinomas and carcinoid tumor.

The precancerous lesion are 4 types and they are

1. pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia: these are seen in the autopises of dead people with no cancer.

2. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: these are macroscopic lesions, these have ability to convert into invasive cancer,

3. Third pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms mainly seen in women it remain benign and when they are grown bigger then the symptoms are seen,

4. Intraductal tubulopapillary pancreas: these become invasive,

Stages of pancreatic cancer.

Stage 0:cancer found only in linning of pancreatic duct.

Stage1: cancer in pancreas only.

Stage1A:Cancer develops and is about 2cm or Less.

Stage 1B: cancer develops further and is about 2cm or more.

Stage 2: spreading of tumor to pancreas and nearby organs and lymph nodes.

Stage 2A: spreading of tumor to nearby organs but not to lymph nodes.

Stage2B: tumor spreads nearby lymph and other organs.

Stage 3:tumor spreads to blood vessels near pancreas may also affect lymph nodes.

Stage 4:tumor spreads to liver lungs peritoneal cavity and lymph nodes.this is end stage.