pancreatic cancer

My Father-in-law is a 75y/o caucasian and was justed recently diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas.He is a non-smoker, He does not drink nor does he eat high fat foods. He also has no family history of any type of cancer.  Nevertheless, a 2.3cm malignant tumor was found on the "tail" of the pancreas.  He is currently asymptomatic and all pancreatic enzymes are within normal limits. Last year, he had his gallbladder removed. I am wondering if there is a correlation between removal of the gallbladder and the pancreatic cancer?  I am not certain of what would predispose him to this cancer.  Is it possible that removal of the gallbaladder stimulated caner cells in the pancreas?
We are taking him to a surgeon to decide if the tumor is resectable.  I am just not sure if at his age and with a heart that has undergone bypass surgery, he can handle surgery.    Do you have any thoughts on the causes of this cancer? Can the gallbladder removal have instigated this?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

What was the indication for the removal of your father's gallbladder?
Was a histopath done on the gallbladder specimen?
Was there any history of abdominal injury or trauma?
No known skin lesions or discolorations in his body?

The risk for pancreatic cancer increases as one grows older reaching about a 40 fold increase in the risk at the age of 80. Is your father diabetic? The genetic bases for pancreatic cancer has been extensively studied. Some syndromes involving diabetes are implicated with pancreatic cancer.Is there any strong history of diabetes in the family? any history of pancreatitis in the family? Gallbaladder stones may cause pancreatitis.

I hope I am able to shed some light.Stay with your father and comfort him.This must  be a difficult time for all of you.Continue to reassure him and attend to his needs.

Keep in touch.

[Pharmacist20]

Thank you so much for responding.  The gallbladder was removed because it had become gangrene.  He was very ill and had an excessive amount of gallstones.  He was in a lot of pain prior to the removal.  There is no history of abdominal injury/ trauma, no skins lesions, or discolorations.  I'm not sure about the histopath on the gallbladder specimen. No, he's not diabetic and no family history either.

We took him to Sloan Kettering and they want to operate and remove the 2cm tumor along with the spleen.  They say that is the best thing to do and that he is very lucky this was caught so early.

I'm just hoping that it does not come back after removal.  

As you mentioned, age must be the risk factor.  I have read a lot on line about the risk in the elderly.
Thank you so much for your help.  I really do appreciate it.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Your father will be undergoing several adjustments after surgery.You need to stay strong for him.

All the best,