Pancreas & Gall bladder Cancer
Pancreas and gallbladder cancer can occur in a few different ways, including synchronous tumors, metachronous tumors, and pancreaticobiliary maljunction:
Synchronous tumors: These are extremely rare, and are often caused by an abnormal pancreato-biliary junction. This junction is where the bile duct and pancreas meet.
Metachronous tumors: These are also rare, and have a poor prognosis.
Pancreaticobiliary maljunction: This is an abnormality at the junction of the bile duct and pancreas. It can increase the risk of developing biliary tract cancer and pancreatitis.
Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Liver enlargement
- Gallbladder enlargement
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Ascites, which is fluid buildup in the abdomen
Some risk factors for gallbladder cancer include:
- Being a woman or assigned female at birth
- Being American Indian, Alaskan native, or Mexican-American
- Being over the age of 65
Some lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of developing these cancers include: Eating a balanced diet, Maintaining a healthy weight, Avoiding tobacco, Limiting alcohol consumption, and Staying physically active.
Genetic counseling and testing can also provide insights into hereditary factors that may influence the risk of these cancers.