| 1) What is the pancreas? (3
pages) |
| A simple answer is that the pancreas is an oblong flattened gland located
deep in the abdomen. Most people don't know as much about the pancreas
as they do about other parts of their bodies. In fact, this gland is an
integral part of the digestive system that often goes unnoticed until problems
occur. If you are concerned about pancreas cancer, you will want a lot
more information. |
Where is the pancreas?
What parts does the pancreas have?
How is the pancreas part of the
digestive system?
|
|
Where is the pancreas?
|
| The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, sandwiched between the
stomach and the spine. It lies partially behind the stomach. The other
part is nestled in the curve of the duodenum (small intestine). To visualize
the position of the pancreas, try this: Touch the thumb and "pinkie" finger
of your right hand together, keeping the other three fingers together and
straight. Then, place your hand in the center of your belly just below
your lower ribs with your fingers pointing to the left. Your hand will
be at the approximate level of your pancreas. |
| Because of the pancreas' deep location, tumors are rarely palpable (able
to be felt by pressing on the abdomen.) It also explains why many symptoms
of pancreatic cancer often do not appear until the tumor grows large enough
to interfere with the function of nearby structures such as the stomach,
duodenum, liver, or gallbladder. |
Fig. 1-1 |
CONTINUED |