Pancreatic Cancer, Exocrine Health Article

Acinar cell (s)

—Cells that comprise small sacs terminating the ducts of some exocrine glands.

Acinar cell carcinoma

—A malignant tumor arising from the acinar cells of the pancreas.

Angiography

—Diagnostic technique used to study blood vessels in a tumor.

Biopsy

—Removal and microscopic examination of cells to determine whether they are cancerous.

Cancer vaccines

—A treatment that uses the patient's immune system to attack cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

— Drug treatment administered to kill cancerous cells.

Ductal adenocarcinoma

—A malignant tumor arising from the duct cells within a gland.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

—Diagnostic technique used to obtain a biopsy. Also a surgical method of relieving biliary obstruction caused by a tumor.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)

—Diagnostic imaging technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted down a patient's throat to determine if a tumor is present.

Exocrine

—Refers to glands which secrete their products through a duct.

Laparoscopic surgery

—Minimally invasive surgery in which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision.

Pancreatectomy

—Partial or total surgical removal of the pancreas.

Radiation therapy

—Use of radioisotopes to kill tumor cells. Applied externally through a beam of x rays, intraoperatively (during surgery), or deposited internally by implanting radioactive seeds in tumor tissue.

Whipple procedure

—Surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and some surrounding tissue.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What is my prognosis?
• What is the standard course of treatment for my cancer at this stage?
• How long will the course of treatment take?
• What side effects will I experience?
• What can be done to relieve my abdominal pain?
• What should I do to prepare for surgery?
• Can you refer me to a nutritionist or dietician?
• Are there any alternative therapies you would recommend?
• Am I eligible to participate in a clinical trial?
• Will my health insurance cover costs associated with a clinical trial?
• Are there any support groups I can join?