Can gallstones cause pancreatic cancer?
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
Whether gallstones can cause pancreatic cancer depends on the specific circumstances. If gallstones occur in the intrahepatic bile ducts or the gallbladder, or in the extrahepatic bile ducts, and the condition is controlled after treatment, they will not lead to pancreatic cancer. However, in patients with common bile duct stones, repeated inflammatory episodes in the pancreas may result in intraductal pancreatic stones or chronic pancreatitis. Due to persistent inflammation and pancreatic atrophy caused by such inflammation, there may be an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Generally, gallstones do not cause pancreatic cancer, but if they trigger severe inflammation, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer may increase. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. No
The gallbladder and pancreas are two separate organs. Gallstones occurring in the intrahepatic bile ducts or gallbladder usually do not directly affect the pancreas, nor do they cause pancreatic lesions or pancreatic cancer. If gallstones are located in the extrahepatic gallbladder, they may obstruct the outflow of pancreatic juice through the pancreatic duct, leading to acute biliary pancreatitis. However, with proper treatment, the condition can typically be controlled and does not lead to pancreatic cancer.
2. Yes
In patients with common bile duct stones, repeated episodes of inflammation in the pancreas may result in intraductal stones or chronic pancreatitis. Due to persistent inflammatory stimulation and pancreatic atrophy, there may be an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
It is recommended that patients with gallstones receive timely treatment to control disease progression. For those with biliary pancreatitis, the underlying cause should be promptly identified and treated as early as possible.
