GI 2 pancreas.txt

• endocrine AND exocrine funtions
• secrete enzymes (lipases, proteases, amylases) and bicarbonate

• interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients
• release enzymes that can samage the pancreas and surrounding tissues

• inflammation of infection of the pancreas
• more prevalent in women than in men
• affects people over the age of 40
• associated with alcoholism or peptic ulcers in men
• associated with gallbladder disease in women
• three types: acute, chronic and pancreatic abscess

pancreatic enzymes (proteases and lipases) become activated and attack the pancrease (autodigestion)

inflammation and scarring of tisue in the pancreas affects production of both lipases and insulin

• cavity of pus within the pancreas
• develops in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts and are comprised of pancreatic tissue, enzymes and blood

• local swelling
• necrosis
• hemorrhage
• trauma

• elevate dserum and urine amylase levels
• elevated serum lipase levels

• pain medications
• intravenous fluids

• adenocarcinoma
• difficult to diagnose and treat
• high mortality rate
• occurs more frequently in men than women
• 30% of cases attributed to cigarette smoking
• other causes: industrial chemicals, diet, chronic alcohol abuse, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus

• head of the pancreas (most common, symptoms occur sooner due to proximity to common bile duct)
• body of pancreas
• tail of pancreas

• weight loss
• nausea
• diarrhea
• weakness
• jaundice
• malabsorption of fat
• upper abdominal pain

• duodenum
• stomach
• liver

• laparoscopic biopsy
• abdominal ultrasound/CT scan

• palliative therapy for jaundice or gastric obstructions
• surgery
• chemo
• radiation