Fox News
top news | business | opinion | tv | radio | marketplace | foxfan | services | video
FOX & Friends | Daytime | Your World | Big Story | Special Report | FOX Report | O'Reilly Factor | Hannity & Colmes | On The Record | Weekend

Digestive Disorders Health Center

Image Collection

Human Anatomy

picture of human pancreas

Picture of the Pancreas

back button next button

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Front View of the Pancreas

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. The narrow end of the pancreas, called the tail, extends to the left side of the body.

Pancreas Conditions

  • Diabetes, type 1: The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. Lifelong insulin injections are required to control blood sugar.
  • Diabetes, type 2: The pancreas loses the ability to appropriately produce and release insulin. The body also becomes resistant to insulin, and blood sugar rises.
  • Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects multiple body systems, usually including the lungs and the pancreas. Digestive problems and diabetes often result.
  • Pancreatic cancer: The pancreas has many different types of cells, each of which can give rise to a different type of tumor. The most common type arises from the cells that line the pancreatic duct. Because there are usually few or no early symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often advanced by the time it’s discovered.
  • Pancreatitis: The pancreas becomes inflamed and damaged by its own digestive chemicals. Swelling and death of tissue of the pancreas can result. Although alcohol or gallstones can contribute, the cause of most pancreatitis is unknown.
  • Pancreatic pseudocyst: After a bout of pancreatitis, a fluid-filled cavity called a pseudocyst can form. Pseudocysts may resolve spontaneously, or they may need surgical drainage.
  • Islet cell tumor: The hormone-producing cells of the pancreas multiply abnormally, creating a benign or cancerous tumor.  These tumors produce excess amounts of hormones and then release them into the blood. Gastrinomas, glucagonomas, and insulinomas are examples of islet cell tumors.
  • Enlarged pancreas: An enlarged pancreas may mean nothing. You may simply have a pancreas that is larger than normal. Or, it can be because of an anatomic abnormality. But other causes of an enlarged pancreas may exist and require treatment.

Pancreas Tests

  • Physical examination: By pressing on the center of the belly, a doctor might check for a mass in the pancreas. He or she can also look for other signs of pancreas conditions.
  • Computed tomography scan: A CT scanner takes multiple X-rays, and a computer creates detailed images of the pancreas and abdomen. Contrast dye may be injected into your veins to improve the images.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic waves create highly detailed images of the abdomen. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an MRI that focuses on the pancreas, liver, and bile system.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Using a camera on a flexible tube advanced from the mouth to the intestine, a doctor can access the area of the pancreas head. Tiny surgical tools can be used to diagnose and treat some pancreas conditions.
  • Pancreas biopsy: Either using a needle through the skin or a surgical procedure, a small piece of pancreas tissue is removed to look for cancer or other conditions.
  • Ultrasound: A probe is placed on the belly, and harmless sound waves create images by reflecting off the pancreas and other organs.
  • Amylase and lipase: Blood tests showing elevated levels of these pancreatic enzymes can suggest pancreatitis.
  • Sweat chloride test: A painless electric current stimulates the skin to sweat, and the chloride in perspiration is measured. People with cystic fibrosis often have high sweat chloride levels.
  • Genetic testing: Many different mutations of a single gene can cause cystic fibrosis. Genetic testing can help identify if an adult is an unaffected carrier or if a child will develop cystic fibrosis.
1 | 2
Next Page >
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Gallbladder Basics   Gallbladder Basics

If you notice pain on your right side after eating a fatty meal, you may have gallbladder disease.

Watch Video: Gallbladder Basics (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Experimental Pill for Celiac Disease   Experimental Pill for Celiac Disease

Show or hide information about video: Growing Up With IBD   Growing Up With IBD

Show or hide information about video: NOTES Appendectomy Procedure   NOTES Appendectomy Procedure

Show or hide information about video: Diagnosing IBS   Diagnosing IBS

video library >
U.S.| World| Politics| FOX News Polls| Business| Health| Science| Tech| Foxlife| Video| Views| MyNews| Sports| Weather
Radio| Mobile| FOX & Friends| FOX Online| Your World| Big Story| Special Report| FOX Report| O'Reilly Factor| Hannity & Colmes| On the Record FNC iMag| FOX Fan| News Archive| FOX Around The World| FOX Sports| Contact US| Upgrade Central| FAQs
Advertise on Fox News Channel, FOXNews.com and FOX News Radio Jobs at FOX News Channel. Internships at FOX News Channel (now accepting Fall interns).
Terms of use. Privacy Statement. For FOXNews.com comments write to foxnewsonline@foxnews.com; For FOX News Channel comments write to comments@foxnews.com
© Associated Press. All rights reserved.
SMARTMONEY ® © 2006 SmartMoney. SmartMoney is a joint publishing venture of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and Hearst SM Partnership. All Rights Reserved.
All quotes delayed by 20 minutes. Delayed quotes provided by ComStock.
Historical prices and fundamental data provided by Hemscott, Inc.
Mutual fund data provided by Lipper. Mutual Fund NAVs are as of previous day's close.
Earnings estimates provided by Zacks Investment Research.
Upgrades and downgrades provided by Briefing.com.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. © 2006 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes.