The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen, surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs. It makes substances called pancreatic juices (containing digestive enzymes) and hormones including insulin. These digestive enzymes are then sent to the small intestine. Pancreatitis is infl ammation (swelling) of the pancreas. It occurs when these digestive enzymes begin attacking the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute, which occurs suddenly and may be life-threatening with many complications. Continuing injury to the pancreas may lead to a long-lasting (chronic) form. Pancreatitis cannot be caught. About 50,000 to 80,000 cases of acute pancreatitis occur in the United States...

The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen (belly), surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs. It makes substances called pancreatic juices (containing digestive enzymes) and the hormones insulin and glucagon. Pancreatitis is infl ammation (swelling) of the pancreas. It occurs when these digestive enzymes begin attacking the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute (occurs suddenly). Continuing injury to the pancreas may lead to a long-lasting (chronic) form. The pancreas doesn’t make its enzymes, causing an inability to digest and absorb fat in the diet. Insulin production also decreases. Chronic pancreatitis isn’t common. More men than women are affected. Pancreatitis...

The pancreas is a large organ located behind the stomach. It makes and releases enzymes into the intestines that help the body absorb foods, especially fats. Hormones called insulin and glucagon, which help your body control blood sugar levels, are made in special cells in the pancreas called islet cells. Tumors can also occur in these cells, but they are called islet cell tumors. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown....

Cancer of the pancreas refers to growth of cancer cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is in the abdomen (belly), with the stomach, intestines, and other organs around it. It makes juices used in digestion and several hormones, including insulin, which controls blood sugar (glucose) level. It releases these substances into ducts (tubes). Pancreatic cancer starts from cells lining these ducts. Almost 30,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer each year. Early detection is best for a cure, but this cancer is hard to fi nd early because most symptoms do not occur until the cancer...