GETTING TO KNOW THE PANCREAS ORGAN

The pancreas is a glandular organ in the abdomen that plays a crucial role in the digestive system. The pancreas itself has two (2) functions. First, the exocrine function that produces several important enzymes to aid in the digestion process, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin for digesting proteins, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for breaking down fats. Second, the endocrine function where the pancreas produces and releases two hormones, insulin to lower blood sugar and glucagon to raise blood sugar.

TYPES OF PANCREATIC DISORDERS

It is important to know that problems with the pancreas can affect the overall functioning of the body. This can lead to the need to be aware of several disorders of the pancreas that may occur without our realization. Some of these disorders include:

A. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is one of the most common conditions that occur when the pancreas is disrupted, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas due to the blockage of the main pancreatic duct by gallstones or tumors. Pancreatitis is divided into two (2) types: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Meanwhile, chronic pancreatitis is acute pancreatitis that has occurred repeatedly, resulting in permanent damage. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas can return to normal when the attack subsides. However, if the attacks occur repeatedly, it can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which, if it worsens, can cause complications such as secondary diabetes or pancreatic cancer.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Generally, pancreatitis can occur due to:

• Gallstones
• History of trauma/injury
• Alcohol or high-fat food consumption habits
• Use of steroids or certain medications.

B. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy of the pancreatic tissue that occurs when pancreatic cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Early-stage pancreatic cancer often does not show symptoms. Usually, symptoms only appear when cancer has spread to other organs in the body. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer. Of all cases of pancreatic cancer, only about 9% of patients survive for 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease.

Causes and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:

• Age, especially over 50 years old
• Chronic pancreatic inflammation/chronic pancreatitis
• Family history of genetic abnormalities that can increase the risk of cancer
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking
• Obesity.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATIC DISORDERS

Pain in the upper abdomen is a common symptom when there is a problem with the pancreas. The pain can radiate to the back and can feel worse when eating and drinking, especially after consuming fatty foods. In addition, in the early stages, there are usually signs and symptoms such as:

• Digestive disturbances like nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Muscle pain.

Meanwhile, if these signs and symptoms persist repeatedly over a long period, it can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which often presents other signs and symptoms such as:

• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen and back
• Abdominal tenderness or bloating
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Digestive disturbances like diarrhea
• Weight loss due to malnutrition
• Development of diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer in its early stages typically does not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer cells grow and reach an advanced stage, symptoms that may occur include:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itching of the skin
• Digestive disturbances such as abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Fatigue
• Yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Fever or chills.

MANAGING PANCREATIC DISORDERS

If there is suspicion of a pancreatic disorder, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to receive appropriate treatment. The doctor will choose one or more treatment methods suitable for managing pancreatic disorders, such as:

• Selection of inpatient care modalities for supportive care and monitoring
• Administration of pain relievers to provide comfort
• Endoscopic procedures or surgery to remove gallstones, other obstructions, or damaged parts of the pancreas
• Administration of additional pancreatic enzymes and insulin if the pancreas is not functioning properly.

PREVENTING PANCREATIC DISORDERS

The best way to prevent pancreatic disorders is by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical exercise
• Controlling consumption of fatty foods
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol consumption.

REFERENCES

• Bartel, M. MSD Manual. (2022). Acute Pancreatitis.
• Garber, et al. (2018). Mechanism and Management of Acute Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology Research and Practice.
• John Hopkins Medicine. The Digestive Process: What Is the Role of Your Pancreas in Digestion?.
• Knott, L. Patient Info (2022). Acute Pancreatitis.
• Leppäniemi, A., et al. (2019). WSES Guidelines for the Management of Severe Acute Pancreatitis. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 14(1), pp. 1–20.
• Marcin, J. Healthline (2020). Acute Pancreatitis.
• Mayo Clinic (2021). Diseases & Conditions. Pancreatitis. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms. Abdominal Pain.
• National Health Services (2018). Health A to Z. Acute Pancreatitis.
• Shah, A., Mourad, M., & Bramhall, S. (2018). Acute Pancreatitis: Current Perspective on Diagnosis and Management. Journal of Inflammation Research. pp. 77–85.

Author: Dr. Rosy Rahma Sari (Medical Consultant at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Letjen. Hertasning, Pena Mas No. 3-4 Makassar)