Carcinoma of the Pancreas

Probably no other disease condition is more variable in its manifestations than carcinoma of the pancreas. The anatomic position of the organ, situated as it is in the center of the body cavity in such close relationship with so many important structures, makes tumor formation the origin of many striking and confusing syndromes. There are also symptoms and signs which are due to the impairment of the external and internal functions of the gland, as well as those which are referable to the cachexia and tissue necrosis of malignant disease in general. In this paper the records of patients with cancer of the pancreas treated at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital have been analyzed in order to establish, if possible, a definite clinical picture in which the various signs and symptoms can be evaluated, to aid in the diagnosis and treatment and to further a better understanding of the etiology,