Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: discrepancy between FA and pathoma

[Pinkleton]

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FA says pancreatic cancer is NOT linked to alcohol consumption, but pathoma says it is. What do you guys think?

 

[ijn]

Both sources are partially correct.

Alcohol is not an independent risk factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma unless it is associated with chronic pancreatitis.

 

[Pinkleton]

Thanks for your reply. Just to clarify with some possible Step 1 scenarios:

Alcoholic patient is diagnosed with chronic pancreatis and told to stop drinking. Doesn't listen, develops pancreatic cancer. Alcohol contributed independently from the inflammation

Previously asymptomatic patient develops pancreatic cancer. Alcohol could NOT have been a cause

 

[ijn]

Alcohol could NOT have been a cause

I doubt they'd write an absolute statement like that in a question. They'd write something along the lines of: what is the MOST LIKELY risk factor in this patient's history (given an absence of X, Y, and Z)? Step 1 does not use LEAST LIKELY questions.