PANCREATIC CANCER - DISMAL DISEASE

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 100  (10) , 513-515
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, the 4th commonest cause of death in the USA, has a very poor prognosis, is increasing in incidence, and, in most cases, is not detected before it has spread beyond the pancreas. Partial, or total, pancreatectomy has increased 5 yr survival in only a small fraction of cases. New techniques are helpful in earlier diagnosis, but patients must be selected for examination before clinical signs or symptoms develop. Elderly patients who use alcohol and tobacco excessively and female diabetics may be at higher risk. Pathologists should examine pancreas duct epithelium at autopsy in patients in the 4th-6th decades for atypia, papillary hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ or other possible precursor changes. Diagnostic tumor, or oncofetal antigens, or a biochemical difference in isozyme activities may be developed. Some combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may give better prognosis.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: