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Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients
Published on: July 30, 2011
Pancreatitis and the risk of pancreatic cancer
E Fernandez1, C La Vecchia, M Porta
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Abstract:
To offer quantitative evidence on the association between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, we analyzed data from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in northern Italy between 1983 and 1992, including a total of 362 incident cases of histologically confirmed pancreatic cancer and 1,408 controls admitted to hospital for acute, nonneoplastic, nondigestive tract disorders. Information was obtained using a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits (including tobacco and alcohol consumption) and a problem-oriented medical history, which included history of pancreatitis and age at its first diagnosis. Pancreatitis was reported by 24 (6.6%) cases and 18 (1.3%) controls, yielding an age- and sex-adjusted relative risk (RR) of 5.7 (95% confidence interval, 2.9-11.4). The risk of pancreatic cancer was appreciably higher 5 or more years after diagnosis of pancreatitis (RR = 6.9) than in the first 4 years (RR = 2.1), and in subjects below age 60 (RR = 8.3) than in elderly ones (RR = 2.6), but similar in males and females. The time-risk relationship is strongly indicative of a real relationship between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. After allowing for tobacco and alcohol, besides area of residence and education, the association between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer appeared to be partly explained by such covariates (RR = 3.9); however, this may represent some degree of overadjustment if, for instance, alcohol is causally linked to pancreatitis, which, in turn, is causally related to pancreatic cancer. In terms of population attributable risk, pancreatitis would explain approximately 5% of pancreatic cancer cases.
Related Concept Videos
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:
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
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

