Aetiology
Risk factors
- Smoking
- Charred meat
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Pathophysiology
Exocrine tumours
- Adenocarcinoma: 95% of pancreatic tumours
Endocrine tumours
- Gastrinoma: produces gastrin which increases stomach acid → peptic ulcer disease (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
- Insulinoma: produces insulin which encourages sugar uptake and storage → hypoglycaemia
- Glucagonoma: produces glucagon which increases serum blood sugars → hyperglycaemia
Clinical features
Symptoms
- Steatorrhoea
- Dark urine
- Weight loss
- Back pain
Signs