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Pancreatic Cancer
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The pancreas is a gland that lies deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, near the intestines, and on top of the spine. It is responsible for producing juices that help digest food and for making hormones such as insulin (regulates blood sugar levels). Pancreatic cancer (cancer of the pancreas) can develop in certain individuals and is a serious disease, being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The December 14, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about pancreatic cancer in smokers.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Jaundice—yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
- Unintended weight loss
- Upper abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Loss of appetite
TESTING FOR PANCREATIC CANCER
Because of its location, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect. In addition to considering your medical history and performing a physical examination, your doctor may order certain tests.
Erin Brender, MD, Writer;
Alison Burke, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
RELATED ARTICLE
Insulin, Glucose, Insulin Resistance, and Pancreatic Cancer in Male Smokers
Rachael Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, Barry I. Graubard, Suresh Chari, Paul Limburg, Philip R. Taylor, Jarmo Virtamo, and Demetrius Albanes
JAMA. 2005;294(22):2872-2878.
ABSTRACT
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