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Apart from certain rare hereditary disorders and abnormalities, there are three main forms of disease which are caused by changes in the digestive cells:
1. Pancreatic tumors (Carcinoma of the Pancreas)
A tumor can form as a result of the uncontrolled growth of the pancreatic cells which normally produce gastric juices. These tumors may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors tend to grow more quickly and invade the neighbouring parts of the organ. They can eventually produce secondary tumors (metastases) in other organs such as the liver or the lungs and in other areas of the body. The causes of pancreatic tumors still remain mostly unknown. Based on research, which has in part taken place at the visceral surgery research laboratory at the Inselspital Bern, we know that alterations in the genetic material of pancreatic cells occur which cause healthy cells to become cancerous.
Aside from the most common pancreatic cancer (duct adenocarinoma), other forms of malignant pancreatic tumors are known (e.g. so called neuroendocrine carcinoma or cystadenocarcinoma). Fortunately these forms often are much less aggressive.
2. Acute Pancreatitis
A sudden and serious inflammation of the pancreas can cause major cell-damage which leads to the destruction of the organ itself. Normally this condition is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, or by gallstones, which block the pancreatic duct, although there are other less common causes.
3. Chronic Pancreatitis
A sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas, can result in the activation of digestion ferments within the pancreas. The pancreatic tissue is broken down and replaced by scar tissue. The functioning of the pancreas in the digestive process steadily deteriorates, and less insulin is produced. Disorders of the digestive system and diabetes result. The most common causes of chronic pancreatitis are alcohol (around 80% of cases), congenital genetic defects, and other still largely unknown factors.
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