The pancreas is an unpaired glandular organ of the digestive system that produces pancreatic juice with a lot of enzymes. At the same time, it performs an endocrine function, producing the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Disturbances in the functioning of this organ often lead to the development of serious diseases of the pancreas, many of which are characterized by a rapid, malignant course.
Where is the pancreas located and how does it hurt
Where is the pancreas located? This organ is located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. It is adjacent directly to the stomach and the first section of the small intestine (duodenum). The pancreas is in the form of an elongated sheet and stretches from the area of the spleen to the central part of the body, where it connects to the liver tissue.
One of the most common signs of damage to the pancreas is pain in the upper abdomen. Irradiating to the back or chest area, the pain syndrome is acute and dull, constant and paroxysmal. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but more often it disappears only after taking medication.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas. It is acute and chronic. The disease develops against the background of the following reasons:
- Abuse of alcohol and junk food.
- Presence of stones in the gallbladder.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Uncontrolled use of antibiotics, antiviral drugs and chemotherapy drugs.
The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe pain in the upper abdomen. Depending on the form and stage of pancreatitis, it can radiate to the back or chest.
Among the additional symptoms of pancreatitis are nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief, as well as fever and palpitations. With chronic inflammation of the pancreas, there is a deterioration in the general condition, accompanied by rapid weight loss and problems with the stool.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis
How to check the pancreas? Establishing a diagnosis begins with an analysis of the patient's symptoms and medical history. To measure the level of pancreatic enzymes, the doctor issues a referral for a laboratory study of blood and urine.
The size and degree of damage to the organ can be clarified by such diagnostic methods as ultrasound, CT and MRI.
Features of therapy
The treatment plan for the pancreas in pancreatitis depends on its form and severity. The stages of therapy for an acute type of disease look like this:
- Pain relief.
- Diet (required to facilitate the work of the pancreas).
- Infusion therapy.
- Using antibiotics (if infection is suspected).
Therapy of chronic pancreatitis includes a therapeutic diet, taking analgesics and drugs that help replenish the missing digestive enzymes. In severe lesions of the organ, surgery is required (usually a laparotomic or puncture-draining intervention is prescribed).
With timely access to a doctor, the prognosis after treatment of pancreatitis is favorable. Otherwise, intestinal dysbacteriosis, diabetes mellitus or oncology develop. In the terminal stage of the disease, there is a risk of peritonitis.
Pancreatic cancer
Malignant tumors of the pancreas are exocrine and endocrine. In 90% of cases, neoplasms of the first type occur. They can be located in the head, body or tail of the organ. Also, tumors are neuroendocrine, cystic mucinous and intraductal papillary.
Causes of disease development
The risk of developing cancer is increased in people with type 2 diabetes. Other contributing factors include:
- Overweight (at risk are people who have fat deposits in the abdomen).
- Smoking.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Diseases of the liver and gallbladder (cirrhosis, cholelithiasis).
- Chronic pancreatitis.
The risk group also includes men over 45 years of age. This is due to bad habits and malnutrition.
Oncology symptoms
Signs of pancreatic cancer are often non-specific. That is why its timely detection is often complicated. Possible initial manifestations of the disease include:
- Pain syndrome (with damage to the head - under the right rib, tail - in the upper abdomen on the left. Girdle pain is observed with cancer of the entire organ), which decreases when lying on the back.
- Gradual weight loss. Combined with nausea, vomiting and general weakness.
When the tumor decays, intoxication occurs. Against this background, specific symptoms appear - a sharp loss of weight, an increase in body temperature and an aversion to meat food. Appearance of ascites and bleeding is allowed.
Diagnosis
How to check the pancreas? The process of diagnosing cancer begins with an analysis of symptoms and a visual examination. Further, the specialist directs the patient to laboratory tests and instrumental studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI). A biopsy is also required to confirm the diagnosis.
