Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). The most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones that block the pancreatic duct, and alcohol abuse, which can lead to blockage of the small pancreatic ductules. The most common symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, fast pulse, feeling ill, fever, swelling in the upper abdomen, dropping blood pressure and severe pain in upper abdomen.

Diagnostic tests for pancreatitis include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

Pancreatic Cancer

Until recently, little was known about pancreatic cancers. However, because of new discoveries in all types of cancer, more research is being focused on causes and treatments. Here at NCH, we now have better diagnostic tests and newer treatments that are providing a more optimistic future for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms

Many times there are no signs or symptoms noticed until the cancer is in an advanced stage. That's why it is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• Jaundice with or without itching, dark urine, or light stool
• Back pain, which might be worse after eating or when lying down
• Fatigue or weakness
• Other illnesses such as diabetes
• Digestive problems including unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, malnutrition, nausea and/or vomiting or abdominal pain
• Pancreatitis

Risk factors

Since pancreatic cancer often has few outward symptoms, it’s important to know the possible risk factors. These factors may increase the chances of pancreatic cancer:

• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Age 50 or older
• Race – more common in African Americans
• Diabetes
• Chronic swelling of the pancreas
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, dyes, and dry cleaning solutions

Diagnostic tests

There are many tests that may be able to detect a tumor or mass. These include:

• Blood tests
• Biopsy
• Ultrasonography
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Laparoscopic ultrasonography
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) - This is an outpatient procedure performed in the Gastroenterology Center. A scope is inserted down the throat to look for irregularities or masses to determine treatment options.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound with Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS/FNA)
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• PET/CT Scan - The combined scans have been shown to pinpoint abnormal metabolic activity within the body, providing a more accurate diagnoses than when performed separately