Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
Brittany Tarin
HS200 Section #2
Unit 2 Capstone Project: Pancreatic Cancer
Kaplan University
4-6-10

Mr. Andre I would like to give an insight about the diagnosis you have just been diagnosed with. I hope it gives you a better understanding and helps you with the type of stage you have and if any treatment can be successful for you. I hope you can come to an option and go back to doing as you have done with your loving family.
The development of pancreatic cancer may involve the over-expression of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes or the deregulation of various signaling proteins. “The pancreas is an organ found behind the stomach. Its shape is like a fish in a way, it is about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. It goes across the abdominal (belly). The pancreas contains 2 different kinds of glands. The exocrine glands make pancreatic juice. This juice has enzymes which break down fats and proteins in the foods you eat so the body can use them. Most of the cells in the pancreas are part of the exocrine system. A smaller number of cells in the pancreas are endocrine cells. These cells are arranged in clusters called islets. They make hormones like insulin that help balance the amount of sugar in the blood.” The development of pancreatic cancer may involve the over-expression of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes or the deregulation of various signaling proteins. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm that originates from transformed cells arising tissues forming the pancreas. Adenocarcinoma is the most common pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early. Signs and symptoms that lead up to the diagnosis depends on the tissue type of the tumor, where it’s located, and the size. It may be abdominal pain, back pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and digestive problems. Due to the pancreas being behind other organs it is hard for physicians to see or find the tumor during routine exams.
Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed by physicians through an exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cause of deaths in the