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Patients > Hereditary Pancreatitis Hereditary Pancreatitis Research Newsletters OMIM Entry on Hereditary Pancreatitis OMIM Entry on SPINK1 Mutations What Is Hereditary Pancreatitis? Hereditary Pancreatitis (HP) is a rare genetic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of pancreatic attacks, which can progress to chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Onset of attacks typically occurs between within the first two decades of life, but can begin at any age. In the United States, it is estimated that at least 1,000 individuals are affected with hereditary pancreatitis. HP has also been linked to an increased lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the 4th most leading cause of cancer deaths among Americans. Individuals with hereditary pancreatitis appear to have a 40% lifetime risk to develop pancreatic cancer. This increased risk is heavily dependent upon the duration of chronic pancreatitis and environmental exposures to alcohol and smoking. One recent study suggested that individuals with chronic pancreatitis for more than 25 years had a higher rate of pancreatic cancer when compared to individuals in the general population. This increased rate appears to be due to the prolonged chronic pancreatitis rather than having a gene mutation (all cationic trypsinogen mutations). It is important to note that these risk values may be higher than expected because these studies on pancreatic cancer use a highly selective population rather than a randomly selected population. |
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DISCLAIMER: This information is designed as a tool for background for pancreatic disorders and is not designed to serve as sole medical advice or meant to replace a full medical evaluation. Please consult your personal physician for additional information before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Updated March 28, 2005 Contact Dr. Whitcomb
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