Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It most often involves the exocrine cells (adenocarcinoma) and can spread locally or to distant organs. Why Do I Need Evaluation and Treatment? You may be evaluated if you experience: Painless jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite […]
Gut–Brain Axis & Functional Disorders
Gut–Brain Axis Definition: Bi-directional communication between the GI tract and central nervous system via neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. Importance: Influences motility, sensitivity, and mood; targeted by diet, probiotics, and psychological therapies. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Definition: Functional disorder with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (IBS-C, IBS-D, mixed). Management: Low-FODMAP diet, fiber adjustment, antispasmodics, […]
Liver Conditions
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) Definition: Primary malignancy arising in chronically diseased liver. Risk Factors: Cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, fatty liver. Diagnosis: Triphasic CT/MRI; AFP marker; biopsy if needed. Treatment: Resection, ablation, transplant, or TACE depending on stage. Follow-Up: Imaging and AFP every 3–6 months. Liver Cyst & Abscess Simple Liver Cyst Benign fluid-filled lesion; asymptomatic or […]
Vascular Compression Syndromes
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) Definition: Compression of third duodenal segment between SMA and aorta. Symptoms: Postprandial fullness, bilious vomiting, weight loss. Diagnosis: CT or upper-GI series showing duodenal dilation and narrowed angle. Treatment: Nutritional rehabilitation; small frequent meals; duodenojejunostomy if refractory. Follow-Up: Weight gain monitoring; repeat imaging if symptoms persist. Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome […]
GI Infectious & Ulcerative Disorders
Helicobacter pylori Infection Definition: Bacterial colonization of stomach lining linked to ulcers and cancer. Symptoms: Dyspepsia, nausea, bloating; often asymptomatic. Diagnosis: Urea breath test, stool antigen, or biopsy. Treatment: 10–14-day triple or quadruple antibiotic regimen plus PPI. Follow-Up: Confirm eradication ≥4 weeks post-therapy. Peptic Ulcer Disease & Gastric Ulcer Definition: Mucosal breaks in stomach (gastric) […]
Pancreatic Conditions
Pancreatic Divisum Definition: A congenital variation where the dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts fail to fuse, altering pancreatic juice flow. Symptoms: Recurrent upper-abdominal pain, acute or chronic pancreatitis in adulthood. Diagnosis: MRCP or secretin-enhanced MRCP confirms ductal anatomy. Management: Pain control and enzyme supplementation; endoscopic minor papilla sphincterotomy for drainage; surgery rarely. Follow-Up: Monitor for […]
Pediatric Gut Diseases
Common conditions in children • Infectious diarrhea (rotavirus, norovirus, bacterial enteritis) • Cow’s milk protein allergy • Lactose intolerance • Celiac disease • Functional constipation, infantile colic • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) • Hirschsprung’s disease • Eosinophilic esophagitis
Abdominal Pain
Pain perceived anywhere between the chest and groin. Common causes • Functional (IBS, functional dyspepsia) • Inflammatory (appendicitis, IBD) • Obstructive (gallstones, bowel obstruction) • Ulcer disease (PUD) • Vascular (mesenteric ischemia) Evaluation • Thorough history (onset, location, character) • Physical exam and baseline blood tests • Imaging (US, CT) or endoscopy as needed Management […]
Chronic Diarrhea
Loose or frequent stools lasting more than 4 weeks. Common causes • Functional (IBS-D) • Inflammatory (IBD: Crohn’s, UC) • Infectious (Giardia, C. difficile) • Malabsorption (celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency) • Medication side effects Evaluation • Stool studies (culture, O&P, calprotectin) • Blood tests (CBC, electrolytes, inflammatory markers) • Endoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsies if […]
Pediatric Gut Disease List
Cow’s milk protein allergy Lactose intolerance Celiac disease Functional constipation Infantile colic GERD IBD (Crohn’s, UC) GI infections (rotavirus, parasites) Hirschsprung’s disease Eosinophilic GI disorders
