Getting ahead of pancreatic cancer and the future of early detection: A case report and mini-literature review

Abstract

Received on August 4, 2018 Reviewed on September 3, 2018 Accepted on September 26, 2018 Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PAC) is an aggressive gastrointestinal cancer and the 7th leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. About 95% of PACs are exocrine in origin and adenocarcinoma is the most common type. Risk factors include smoking, obesity and diabetes. It generally presents later in life, with more than half of all cases occurring in those over the age of 70. Pancreatic cancer is highly insidious and commonly diagnosed when advanced. It consequently carries a poor prognosis, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 6%. We report a case of a 57-year-old man with no known risk factors who was diagnosed with advanced PAC. His symptoms were mild and began a few months prior to the diagnosis. We also review the literature on the current approach to PAC, as well as ongoing changes in management and attitudes (for instance the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), primarily concerning early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Findings indicating that hyperglycemia might be the first sign of PAC in asymptomatic patients are highlighted.