What is the pancrias?
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ in the abdomen. It produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help control blood sugar.
The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It is about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and weighs about 3 ounces (85 grams). The pancreas consists of two main parts: the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas.
The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food. These enzymes include:
* Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars
* Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
* Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids
The exocrine pancreas also produces a bicarbonate solution that helps to neutralize the stomach acid in the small intestine.
The endocrine pancreas produces hormones that help control blood sugar. These hormones include:
* Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter cells
* Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by converting glycogen into glucose in the liver
The pancreas is a vital organ for digestion and blood sugar control. Problems with the pancreas can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
* Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
* Diabetes: A condition in which the body cannot make or use insulin
* Pancreatic cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the pancreas
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic.
* Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It is usually caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse. Acute pancreatitis can be a serious condition if it is not treated promptly.
* Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It is usually caused by alcohol abuse or smoking. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas and can cause a variety of health problems, including diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose to enter cells. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of diabetes:
* Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence.
* Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and usually develops in adulthood.
Diabetes can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
* Heart disease
* Stroke
* Kidney disease
* Blindness
* Neuropathy
* Amputation
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, when it is more difficult to treat. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include:
* Abdominal pain
* Weight loss
* Jaundice
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Fatigue
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.