Final answer:
Tumors in the head of the pancreas usually present with symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances due to bile duct obstruction and hormone secretion affecting blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis since it's diagnosed late and is associated with risk factors like smoking and diabetes. Research focuses on early detection and effective treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tumors in the head of the pancreas typically present with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms. Due to the location of the pancreas in the retroperitoneum and its proximity to other structures, tumors in this area can cause complications such as obstruction of the common bile duct, leading to jaundice. Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it's in an advanced stage due to its deep position in the abdomen and nonspecific early symptoms. Individuals may experience pain in the abdomen, weight loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Pancreatic tumors may also cause excess secretion of glucagon, which can affect blood sugar levels. Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include age, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, and diabetes.
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer of the endocrine tissues is generally poor because it's often discovered too late for curative surgery. The primary goal of medical research in this area is to detect these cancers early enough for successful intervention and to identify effective treatments.