A 62-year-old man presents with “yellowing” of the skin. He says he has been having intermittent upper abdominal pain, which is relieved by Tylenol. He also recalls that he has lost some weight over the past several months but can not quantify the amount. His past medical history is significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus. He reports a 40-pack-year smoking history. The patient is afebrile and vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination reveals mild jaundice and a palpable gallbladder. Laboratory findings are significant for the following: Total bilirubin 13 mg/dL Direct bilirubin: 10 mg/dL Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 560 IU/L An ultrasound of the abdomen reveals a hypoechoic mass in the epigastric region. The patient is scheduled for a CT abdomen and pelvis with specific organ protocol for further evaluation. Which of the following best describes this patient’s most likely diagnosis?
ACaffeine consumption is an established risk factor for this condition.
BPatients with this condition often rapidly develop glucose intolerance and severe diabetes.
CThis condition is most common in Caucasians.
DThe majority of cases occur in the body of the pancreas.
ECA 19-9 is a marker for this condition.
Researchers are investigating oncogenes, specifically the KRAS gene that is associated with colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer. They have established that the gain-of-function mutation in this gene increases the chance of cancer development. They are also working to advance the research further to study tumor suppressor genes. Which of the genes below is considered a tumor suppressor gene?
AHer2/neu
BBRAF
CBCL-2
DJAK2
ERb
A 70-year-old male visits his primary care physician because of progressive weight loss. He has a 20-year history of smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day and was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 6 years ago. After physical examination, the physician tells the patient he suspects adenocarcinoma at the head of the pancreas. Which of the following physical examination findings would support the diagnosis?
ALymphadenopathy of the umbilicus
BSplenomegaly
CAcanthosis nigricans
DPalpable gallbladder
ERenal artery bruits
+ 7 more in the PDF
Browse all chapters