Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer refers primarily to adenocarcinomas - specifically ductal adenocarcinoma which account for > 85 % of all pancreatic neoplasm. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma- most common and arises in exocrine glands of the pancreas. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour -Less common ( < 5 % and occurs in the endocrine tissue of pancreas )

Epidemiology-Pancreatic cancer is not rare and the incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma( hence mentioned as pancreatic cancer Pan-Ca here ) is rising in the developed world Seventh leading cause of global cancer deaths in industrialized countries 11 th most common cancer in the world458,918 new cases in 2018 and causing 432 ,242 deaths ( GLOBOSCAN 2018 )367,000 new cases in 2015 and 359,000 deaths in same year Slightly more common in men Most common presentation is from 65-75 yrs age with painless obstructive jaundice and weight loss ( seldom diagnosed before 55 yrs age ) Highest incidence in Europe and N America and lowest in Europe and S Central Asia

Why important- Extremely poor prognosis - due to several factors as○ usually diagnosed at an advanced stage○ no clinically useful markers for early detection○ patients seldom exhibit symptoms until an advanced stage of disease hence late diagnosis ○ Anatomy- close proximity...