Pancreatic diseases

Diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic diseases is still a challenge for the gastroenterologist. For instance, sufficient screening of pancreatic cancer is to date not available, and the identification of risk factors and at-risk patients is an important step towards the diagnosis of the disease: For example, it is a well-known fact, that chronic inflammation - in this case chronic pancreatitis - plays an important role in gastroenterological carcinogenesis and may be involved in promoting cancer growth, tissue invasion and metastasis. On the other hand, hereditary pancreatitis as well as other gene mutations plays a critical role in the etiology of chronic pancreatitis, whereas alcohol, as well as other factors, has a minor influence on the development of this condition. The publication at hand examines various aspects of pancreatic diseases, featuring contributions on the etiology, diagnosis, classification and treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as on the epidemiology, risk factors and thrombotic complications of pancreatic cancer. It will be a valuable source of information for the clinical gastroenterologist faced with pancreatic disorders.