Depression preceding the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Issue 2 (4th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Mafalda; Moreira, Hélder; Esperto, Helder; Carvalho, Armando
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-04
• Subjects: Depressive disorder -- Pancreatic cancer; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Pancreatic cancer is the tumour related to higher rates of depression. Several papers have validated the association between pancreatic cancer and depression. It was noticed that in some cases the psychiatric symptoms precede the somatic ones. We present a case of a progressive and incapacitating diffuse abdominal pain, initially attributed to psychosomatic disorder. This hindered a timely correct diagnosis leading to a poor outcome. A pancreatic adenocarcinoma in an unresectable stage was confirmed by histopathology. The patient underwent chemotherapy.