Background |
Who is at Risk? |
History & Physical Examination
Family History |
Surveillance |
Treatment |
Outcome
The first job in evaluating such patients is to obtain as many clues from the history
and physical as possible. Some patients have a history of loose stools or a history of
adult-onset diabetes. Other common presenting symptoms can include upper abdominal pain
radiating through to the back, malabsorption, and/or weight loss. Occasionally patients
will have lower abdominal pain; this symptom coupled with diarrhea may lead to evaluation
of their colon rather than their pancreas. Symptoms of the patient can be compared with
symptoms of other affected family members. Many patients will have a positive family history
but have no symptoms at all.