Panic as a harbinger of pancreatic cancer.
BACKGROUND
Previous literature has discussed the diagnosis of cancer with psychiatric symptoms. There are noted associations made between pancreatic cancer and depression and anxiety symptoms both in literature and textbooks.


METHODS
The authors discuss the case of a patient who presented with anxiety and panic attacks before his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
There has been a previous association noted between depression and anxiety and pancreatic cancer; however, this work and another report have noted panic episodes preceding diagnosis, as well. These symptoms could prove to be an important marker for early detection.
Griffeth
Benjamin T
BT
Salem VAMC, Mental Health, Code 116A7, 1970 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153, USA. benjamin.griffeth@va.gov
Mehra
Abhishek
A
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*