Pancreatitis diagnosis

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often reasonably straightforward. The doctor will talk to you, examine you and take some blood tests. Learn more about a pancreatitis diagnosis here.

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Pancreatic cancer

Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in people over the age of 50. Find out why the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed is so important.

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Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis appears as sudden, severe upper abdominal pain, often spreading through to the back. Learn more about this condition and its symptoms here.

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Pancreatitis symptoms

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis can be similar to symptoms of other medical emergencies such as heart attack. If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.

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Pancreatic diseases

Links to trusted information about pancreatic diseases.

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Pancreatitis treatments

There are a range of treatments which may be recommended, depending on the cause of the pancreatitis and the person’s condition. Read about them here.

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What causes pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is caused when something going wrong and the enzymes start digesting the pancreas, rather than the food in the gut. Learn more about the condition here.

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What causes pancreatic cancer?

Find out if your risk of developing pancreatic cancer is higher than average, based on age, diet, lifestyle and previous medical history.

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Pancreatic cancer symptoms

Pancreatic cancer can be present without causing any symptoms at all. Symptoms might not appear until the cancer affects other organs.

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Pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Your doctor may use a range of tests and techniques to indicate the likelihood of pancreatic cancer but to get a definite diagnosis, a biopsy is required.

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Pancreatic cancer treatments

Pancreatic cancer treatments will depend on factors such as when the cancer was diagnosed, how far and where it's spread as well as your age and health.

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Pancreas

The pancreas is a vital organ that helps the body to digest food and control blood sugar levels. Read about the role of the pancreas and how to keep it healthy.

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Jaundice in adults

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It can affect newborns or adults, and treatment depends on the cause. Learn more here.

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

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Cysts

A cyst is a sac or pocket in your body filled with fluid, semi-solid material or air. Find out more the about types of cysts, their symptoms and treatments.

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Underlying causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from your bowel contents, or when extra fluid is secreted into the bowel. Find out what causes diarrhoea.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Open cholecystectomy

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome, formerly known as HNPCC, is a genetic condition that increases the risk of a person developing some cancers, such as bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer develops in the ‘tube’ between the throat and the stomach. It’s a very serious condition and important to know the risk factors.

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8 ways to stress-proof your festive season

Christmas can lead to stress, family conflict and financial woes for many people. Check out these tips for keeping your cool during the festive season.

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What causes coeliac disease?

It’s not yet known why people develop coeliac disease, but a number of factors are associated with an increased risk of developing this disease. Find out about coeliac disease risk factors.

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Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is kidney disease that continues without improving. Find out more about chronic kidney disease.

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Intestinal diseases

Links to trusted information about intestinal diseases.

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Mad cow disease

Mad cow disease is a severe neurological disease in cattle that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord. Read more about mad cow disease from trusted sources.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease refers to diseases of arteries outside the heart and brain, mainly in the legs and feet. Learn about the risk factors.

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Throat diseases

Links to trusted information about throat diseases.

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Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ‘ischaemic heart disease’, is the most common form of heart disease. Learn how to reduce your risk.

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