Pancreatic Carcinoma
Cancer of the pancreas that typically arises within the exocrine component of the pancreas. This type of cancer is associated with many different types of pain which is not relieved by any digestive activities. (Boissonnault and Bass 1990)
Demographics: Pancreatic carcinoma is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer for men and women. This disease is more commonly found in men (3:1) and occurrence increases in the sixth and seventh decades. Smoking and obesity increase the risk of an individual obtaining this disease. Genetics have also been found to play a role in the occurrence of this cancer.
Clinical Presentation:
Signs and Symptoms
Differential Diagnosis: Information collected during the patient history or physical exam could alert the physical therapist of potential red flags that would lead to a physician’s referral. If the patient is over 50 years old, has a family history of cancer, has had bowel disturbances, has unexplained weight loss, or has back pain that us unchanged by positions or movement. (Dutton 2008)
Bottom Line: Refer out
If the patient presents with the associated signs and symptoms, they should be considered red flags and the patient should be referred to their primary physician.
Demographics: Pancreatic carcinoma is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer for men and women. This disease is more commonly found in men (3:1) and occurrence increases in the sixth and seventh decades. Smoking and obesity increase the risk of an individual obtaining this disease. Genetics have also been found to play a role in the occurrence of this cancer.
Clinical Presentation:
Signs and Symptoms
- Epigastric/upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Low back pain
- Jaundice
- Weight loss
- Light-colored stools
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness (Goodman 2007)
Differential Diagnosis: Information collected during the patient history or physical exam could alert the physical therapist of potential red flags that would lead to a physician’s referral. If the patient is over 50 years old, has a family history of cancer, has had bowel disturbances, has unexplained weight loss, or has back pain that us unchanged by positions or movement. (Dutton 2008)
Bottom Line: Refer out
If the patient presents with the associated signs and symptoms, they should be considered red flags and the patient should be referred to their primary physician.
References:
Please refer to the "Pancreatic Carcinoma" section of the reference list.
Please refer to the "Pancreatic Carcinoma" section of the reference list.