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Acute pancreatitis as presenting symptom and sole manifestation of small cell lung carcinoma
Abstract:
A 58-year-old man with no sign of pulmonary disease and a normal chest x-ray presented with acute pancreatitis resistant to conventional medical management and a mass in the head of the pancreas. The presumptive diagnosis was pancreatic cancer with tumor-induced pancreatitis. However, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography suggested metastatic rather than primary tumor, so that an extrapancreatic primary was actively sought. Further lung work-up demonstrated a small cell carcinoma of the lung. This case indicates that metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis can be the presenting symptom and sole manifestation of lung cancer.
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Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
