Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové |
2010
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has dismal prognosis. Its incidence in the Czech Republic is rising and it is currently the fourth most common cause of cancer related death.
The most common presenting symptom is painless jaundice. Other symptoms include vomiting, epigastric pain, anorexia or diabetes mellitus.
Diagnosis is based on imaging methods (ultrasound, CT, endosonography). Surgical resection is the most significant treatment method and the only potentially curative method.
Adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy improve quality of life and prolong patient survival. Therefore it is necessary to finish the diagnostic process and commence appropriate treatment in a specialized centre as soon as possible.