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Pathology - Pancreatic head adenocarcinoma
These patients usually have "painless jaundice" and may have some of the risk factors linked to pancreatitis, such as excessive alcohol use and tobacco use.
Tumors located in the head of the pancreas can exert pressure on the pancreatic part of the common bile duct (CBD), leading to a blockage in the flow of bile and resulting in the enlargement of the CBD and the biliary ducts within the liver. Consequently, there is a higher level of conjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream. It should be emphasized that only conjugated bilirubin may be identified in the urine, and this usually leads to darkening as a result of the urobilin pigment. Jaundice commonly manifests when bilirubin levels exceed 3g/dL. Another consequence of the obstruction is reduced bile flow in the colon, resulting in feces that float because of the higher fat content. The presence of pale "acholic" stools is due to a reduced level of stercobilin, a by-product of bilirubin, which is responsible for the typical brown color of stools. The overall prognosis is typically unfavorable, although, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to perform a surgical removal of the tumor using the Whipple technique (pancreaticoduodenectomy).
These patients usually have "painless jaundice" and may have some of the risk factors linked to pancreatitis, such as excessive alcohol use and tobacco use.
Tumors located in the head of the pancreas can exert pressure on the pancreatic part of the common bile duct (CBD), leading to a blockage in the flow of bile and resulting in the enlargement of the CBD and the biliary ducts within the liver. Consequently, there is a higher level of conjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream. It should be emphasized that only conjugated bilirubin may be identified in the urine, and this usually leads to darkening as a result of the urobilin pigment. Jaundice commonly manifests when bilirubin levels exceed 3g/dL. Another consequence of the obstruction is reduced bile flow in the colon, resulting in feces that float because of the higher fat content. The presence of pale "acholic" stools is due to a reduced level of stercobilin, a by-product of bilirubin, which is responsible for the typical brown color of stools. The overall prognosis is typically unfavorable, although, in certain circumstances, it may be possible to perform a surgical removal of the tumor using the Whipple technique (pancreaticoduodenectomy).
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