CANCER OF THE PANCREAS

Pancreatic carcinoma remains the fifth most frequent cause of cancer death. Epidemiologic data suggest that smoking is related to this disease but that consumption of coffee and alcohol is not. The disease is being diagnosed earlier without much impact on survival. When possible, pancreatic resection offers the only chance for cure and can now be performed with very little morbidity or mortality. Results of radiation or chemotherapeutic trials for this disease remain discouraging. Satisfactory surgical palliation can be performed with little morbidity. Results of percutaneous and endoscopic methods of palliation are encouraging.