The pancreas primarily produces insulin, thanks to which glucose penetrates into the body's cells - the source of energy they need to live. It also produces enzymes that digest fats, proteins and sugars. Unfortunately, the pancreas is also attacked by many diseases, including cancer. What are the most common diseases of the pancreas?

The pancreasis both the digestive (exocrine) gland that secretes enzymes and the endocrine (endocrine) gland that produces hormones.

The pancreas produces hormones

Hormone-producing cells are clustered together in clusters known as the pancreatic islets or the islets of Langerhans. Although their number is estimated at 1-3 million, they constitute approx. 2 percent. the mass of this organ. The Langerhans Islands are made up of:

  • beta cells - they produceinsulin(it allows the cells to use sugars and store excess carbohydrates in the liver);
  • alpha cells - they produce glucagon (raises blood sugar by activating its stores in the liver as glycogen);
  • delta cells - they produce somatostatin (inhibits the release of hormones). The pancreas secretes two more substances: pancreatic peptide and gastrin (stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and pancreatic enzymes, enhances the secretory function of the gallbladder).
Problem

Doctors are reluctant to remove the pancreas, but life without it is possible if the patient regularly takes pancreatic enzymes. However, for most people, the hope of improving the quality of life is Langerhans Island transplants. Such a procedure costs over 50 thousand. PLN for one patient - so for now they are performed mainly in people with type I diabetes, who have the so-called unstable form of the disease, they do not tolerate insulin well or in whom even high doses of the drug are not able to lower blood glucose levels to the level ensuring their efficient functioning.

Pancreas produces enzymes

The exocrine part produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes that:

  • digest proteins (trypsin, chymotrypsin and erepsin) and collagen (elastase);
  • breaks down nucleic acids. Pancreatic juice also contains lipase digesting fats and carbohydrases (including pancreatic amylasebreaking down sugars).

Pancreatic diseases

The most commonpancreatic diseases(in gastroenterology) include acute and chronic inflammation, ductal calculi, cysts, cancer of the exocrine part and endocrine neoplasms.

  • Acute pancreatitis - its cause in over 80 percent there are diseases of the biliary system and alcoholism (less often drugs, mumps, hyperparathyroidism, the use of contraceptive pills in hyperlipidemia). Inflammation of the pancreas is manifested by severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. Pain in pancreatitis associated with blockage of the mouth of the pancreatic duct by a stone (with gallstone disease) appears suddenly. It is permanent, persistent, and lasts up to several days. It decreases in a sitting position leaning forward, increases with coughing, changing body position, deep breathing. There is nausea and vomiting, usually the result of severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The patient sweats, his heart rate increases to 100-140 / min, the temperature rises above 38 ° C. The abdomen is tender, often bloated, with tense muscles. The toxins and enzymes released from the damaged pancreas worsen the patient's condition, often leading to cardiopulmonary insufficiency and sometimes treatment-resistant shock with renal insufficiency. The sick person must be treated in the hospital.
  • Insulinoma - is a cancer that originates from beta cells. As much as 90 percent. it is an adenoma, and 10 percent. pancreatic cancer. Diseased cells secrete insulin excessively. This results in a significant reduction in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), with a feeling of hunger, light headedness, cold sweat, muscle tremors. The complete removal of the tumor eliminates these symptoms.
  • Cystic fibrosis - is a systemic disease that does not belong to the pancreatic diseases, but has a huge impact on its condition. In patients, the pancreatic ducts are blocked by a sticky and thick discharge. In 85-90 percent. In cases, it leads to pancreatic insufficiency already in childhood, which is manifested by frequent passing of fatty, foul-smelling stools, flatulence, and finally impairment of weight and height (intestinal malabsorption syndrome). Pancreatitis is a common complication of this disease.
monthly "Zdrowie"

Category:

Gastrology