CLINICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PRIMARY CARCINOMA OF THE BODY AND TAIL OF THE PANCREAS

Abstract

Carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas is by no means a rarity, yet its diagnosis is felt to be difficult because physical findings are commonly absent and the symptom complex is vague in many of the cases. The clinical characteristics of primary neoplasm of the head of the pancreas have been recognized since Dieulafoy1described jaundice due to obstruction of the common bile duct. In 1908 Chauffard2differentiated between the cancer involving the head of the pancreas, termedpancreatico-biliaire, and that involving the body and tail, designatedpancreatico-solaire. The latter characterization was based on the supposed localization of the pain in the region of the solar plexus, as a result of invasion by the pancreatic tumor. This type of pain, however, is observed only in isolated instances. Several observers have described a definite mental pattern of anxiety, nervousness, depression and insomnia in patients suffering from