Access Medicine's Case of the Week: Pancreatic Carcinoma

From: Pathophysiology of Disease Cases
Access Medicine's Case of the Week: Pancreatic Carcinoma
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Case:

During a family reunion, a 62-year-old widower describes to his son a 1-month history of lethargy. He attributed it to the stress of a recent move from a large three-bedroom house into an apartment. His granddaughter comments that his eyes appear “yellow” and that he has lost a significant amount of weight since their last visit with him. Corroborating the finding of painless jaundice, his internist orders a contrast-enhanced spiral CT, revealing a 3 cm mass in the head of the pancreas.

Questions:

A: On physical examination, the patient has a palpable and mildly tender gallbladder. What is the significance of this finding?

B. What hematologic abnormalities may be associated with pancreatic cancer?

C. What are some important clinical prognostic factors?

 


Click HERE to view the case and see the answer to the questions!

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