Glossary

Our extensive collection of web-based and other resources for patients, families, and caregivers provides easy access to information on a wide variety of subjects related to pancreatic cancer.

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There are currently 12 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter D.
Debulking surgery
Surgery that removes as much of the cancer as possible.
Deep margin
Normal-looking tissue beneath a tumor.
Deep margin status
The presence or absence of cancer cells in the normal-looking tissue under a tumor that is removed by surgery.
Diabetes mellitus
Disease in which the body does not effectively control the amount of sugar in the blood, resulting in high levels; it occurs when the body does not produce enough or any insulin or does not use it properly.
Distal pancreatectomy
Surgical procedure in which the tail and body of the pancreas are removed, usually along with the entire spleen; sometimes, part of the body of the pancreas can be preserved.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
The molecule in the cell nucleus that carries the instructions for making living organisms.
Drug interaction
A change in the way a drug acts or works in the body when it is taken with another drug or substance; the interaction can cause unwanted effects.
Drug resistance
When a formerly effective medication stops being effective against a disease.
Dual-phase helical CT scan
Imaging test for evaluating patients suspected of having pancreatic cancer; this type of computed tomography scan can detect about 98 percent of pancreatic cancers.
Duct
A channel leading from an exocrine gland or organ.
Duodenum
The first part of the small intestine that connects to the stomach.
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
The legal designation of a person responsible to make medical decisions for a patient when that patient cannot do so.