Etymed
pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Definition
a malignant tumor arising from the glandular tissue of the pancreas
Clinical context
A 68-year-old smoker presents with jaundice, pale stools, and weight loss over 6 weeks. On examination, there is palpable jaundice and a firm, non-tender mass in the upper abdomen. CT scan shows a mass in the head of the pancreas with no evidence of metastasis. Laboratory studies reveal elevated bilirubin and elevated CA 19-9 tumor marker. The patient undergoes pancreaticoduodenectomy with histopathology confirming malignant glandular tumor. This is the most common malignant tumor of the exocrine pancreas.
Mnemonic
PANCREATIC adenocarcinoma - 'PANCAKE' (pancreatic cancer) - PAncreatic CAncer KEeps people from eating, causing weight loss, jaundice, and pain
These morphemes also unlock…
- pancreat/o — pancreas
- -ic — pertaining to
- aden/o — gland
- carcin/o — cancer; crab
- -oma — tumor; mass