Understanding Your Pancreas: A Guide for Patients

What Is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland located deep in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach. It is approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) long and has two important jobs:

1. Helps digest food (exocrine function)

2. Controls blood sugar levels (endocrine function)

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Where Is the Pancreas Located?

The pancreas sits across the upper abdomen and is divided into:

• Head – next to the small intestine (duodenum)

• Neck

• Body

• Tail – near the spleen

The pancreas is closely connected to:

• The liver

• The gallbladder

• The bile ducts

• The stomach

• The small intestine

 

What Does the Pancreas Do?

1. Helps Digest Food

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that break down:

• Fat → lipase

• Protein → proteases

• Carbohydrates → amylase

These enzymes travel through a small tube called the pancreatic duct into the small intestine.

 

2. Controls Blood Sugar

Special cells in the pancreas produce hormones:

• Insulin – lowers blood sugar

• Glucagon – raises blood sugar

These hormones help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

 

Common Pancreatic Conditions

 

Acute Pancreatitis

A sudden inflammation of the pancreas.

Common causes:

• Gallstones

• Alcohol use

• High triglycerides

• Certain medications

Symptoms:

• Severe upper abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Pain radiating to the back

 

Chronic Pancreatitis

Long-term inflammation that damages the pancreas.

Symptoms:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty digesting food

 

Diabetes

Occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively.

Symptoms:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

 

Pancreatic Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs that may be discovered during imaging tests.

Most are benign, but some may require monitoring because they can develop into cancer over time.

 

Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer that develops in the pancreas.

Symptoms may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

• Weight loss

• Abdominal or back pain

• Loss of appetite

• New-onset diabetes

Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to detect early because symptoms may be vague.

 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Jaundice

• New-onset diabetes

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Pale stools or dark urine

Seek urgent medical attention for:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Fever with abdominal pain

• Jaundice with fever

• Inability to eat or drink

 

How Are Pancreatic Problems Diagnosed?

Your doctor may order:

Blood Tests

• Amylase and lipase

• Liver function tests

• Blood sugar levels

• Tumor markers (such as CA 19-9)

 

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

 

How Can I Keep My Pancreas Healthy?

• Avoid smoking

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Control diabetes

• Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins

 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What is causing my symptoms?

• Do I need imaging tests?

• Could I have pancreatitis or a pancreatic cyst?

• Should I be screened for pancreatic cancer?

• What treatment options are available?

• Do I need surgery or specialist referral?

 

Key Takeaway

The pancreas is an important organ that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar. Many pancreatic conditions can be treated successfully when identified early. If you have persistent abdominal symptoms, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or new-onset diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider promptly.