The pancreas is about 6 inches long and sits across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) through a small tube called the pancreatic duct.

Pancreas Divism: Pancreas divisum is the most common birth defect of the pancreas. In normal development, in the womb, two separate pieces of tissue join together to form the pancreas. Each part has a tube, called a duct. When the parts join together, a final duct called the pancreatic duct is formed. Fluid and digestive chemicals (enzymes) produced by the pancreas normally flow through this duct. However, if the ducts fail to join together while the baby is developing in the womb, pancreas divisum results. Fluid from the two parts of the pancreas drains into separate areas of the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum). If the pancreatic ducts become blocked, swelling and tissue damage (pancreatitis) may develop. Tests used to diagnose pancreas divism include: abdominal CT scan, amylase and lipase blood test, and ERCP.

Pancreatic Cancer: The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. It is more common in people with diabetes, people with long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis), and smokers. It is slightly more common in women than in men. The risk increases with age. A small number of cases are related to genetic syndromes that are passed down through families.

A tumor or cancer in the pancreas may grow without any symptoms at first. This means pancreatic cancer is often advanced when it is first found. Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: dark urine and clay-colored stools, fatigue and weakness, jaundice, loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly or abdomen. Other possible symptoms are: back pain, blood clots, diarrhea, and indigestion. Tests used in diagnosis include: CT scan or MRI of the abdomen, ERCP, EUS, and pancreatic biopsy.

Because they are often advanced when first found, very few pancreatic tumors can be removed by surgery. The standard surgical procedure is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). Patients whose tumor cannot be totally removed, but who have a blockage of the tubes that transport bile (biliary obstruction), must have that blockage relieved commonly by placement of a tiny biliary stent during ERCP.

Pancreatic Cysts: Pancreatic cysts are abnormal, sac-like pockets of fluid on or within your pancreas. Called pseudocysts, these noncancerous (benign) pockets of fluids aren't lined with the type of cells found in true cysts but, instead, with inflammatory or scar tissue. Most pancreatic cysts aren't cancerous and many don't even cause symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may want to take a sample of the pancreatic cyst fluid to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Pancreatic Stones: About 20 to 30 percent of patients with chronic pancreatitis develop stones in the pancreatic duct. When the stones block the duct, the pancreas loses its ability to release enzymes to digest food and to control the body’s sugar levels, which ultimately leads to diabetes. ERCP is performed to remove pancreatic stones.

Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas with upper abdominal pain as the major symptom.