Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatitis are two different ailments that affect the pancreas. Pancreas is the abdominal organ which situated below the stomach. It secretes the enzymes for the food digestion (exocrine0) and hormones for blood sugar control (insulin and glucagon). When the pancreas is disturbed by its own enzyme or bile which travel through the canal inside the pancreas, it will inflame. The exzymes try to digest the pancreatic cells and this will present as acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is not a cancer. Pancreatitis can be classified in to two. Acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis presents with severe abdominal pain. There will be a feeling of vomiting (nausea) and vomiting. the appetite will be reduced. The patient feels better when he bend forward. The alcohol intake, presence of gall stones will increase the chances of pancratitis. There are no definite treatment for acute pancreatits. usually the pain killers and fluid management are the main mode of the treatment.
Unlike pancreatitis, the pancreatic cancer may not give any symptoms till the late stage. Pancreatic cancer is a worse type of cancer. 95% of the patient with pancreatic cancer will die with in 5 years. Males are getting the pancreatic cancer more than female. Smoking will increase the risk. usually the pancreatic cancer will occur in old age (over 60 years)
As pancreas secretes the insulin the vital hormone in glucose control, both pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer will reduce the insulin secretion. They can present with diabetes and diabetes like symptoms.
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In summary, • Pancreatitis is a disease of pancreas causing unbearable pain, vomiting, and loss of apptite to the food. • Usually acute pancreatitis are self limiting, but need hospitalization for pain management and fluid management. • Pancreatic cancer is a worse time of cancer. • Pancreatic cancer is asymptomatic till late stage, it is named as silent killer. • Both chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer will worsen the diabetes or causes diabetes.
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