Flashcard · Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

What is the epidemiology and aetiology of pancreatic carcinoma?

Answer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma accounts for about 95% of pancreatic tumours and is usually incurable at presentation (80-85%). Risk factors include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, a hereditary predisposition, diabetes, and occupational exposures.

Clinical relevance. Knowing pancreatic cancer's late presentation and risk factors (especially smoking) frames its poor prognosis.

More Detail

Pancreatic carcinoma: epidemiology and aetiology

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a highly lethal cancer, usually advanced at diagnosis.

Epidemiology

Adenocarcinoma is ~95% of pancreatic tumours.
Most patients (80-85%) are incurable at presentation - it is often diagnosed late.

Risk factors

Smoking (the strongest modifiable risk factor).
Chronic pancreatitis and hereditary predisposition.
Diet high in saturated fat; possibly alcohol.
Occupational exposures: ionising radiation, insecticides, and certain chemicals.
Diabetes (both a risk factor and a consequence).

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