The pancreas is a 6- to 10-inch gland located near the duodenum and stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes that break down all categories of digestible foods (exocrine pancreas) and secretes hormones that affect carbohydrate metabolism (endocrine pancreas). The bulk of the pancreas is composed of pancreatic exocrine cells containing the precursor digestive enzymes which are the main source of enzymes for digesting fats (lipids) and proteins. Scattered amongst these exocrine cells are the endocrine cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, glucagon, somatastatin, and polypeptides. These hormones play critical roles in regulating blood glucose levels in the fed and fasted states. Diseases of the pancreas include benign tumors, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pseudocyst.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are not specific—such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice. Age, male gender, African ethnicity, smoking, diets rich in meats, obesity, diabetes, exposure to pesticides, dyes, and chemicals related to gasoline, and family history are all risk factors. Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer. Outcomes are usually poor because diagnosis is difficult, delaying treatment. Smoking is considered to be the most significant and avoidable risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising may be helpful. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while decreasing red meat intake is recommended.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by persistantly elevated blood glucose resulting either from inadequate secretion of the hormone insulin, an inadequate response by the body's cells to insulin, or a combination of these factors. Since the discovery of insulin, diabetes has been a treatable but chronic condition. The main health risks are its long-term complications. These include doubled risk of heart disease; it is also the main cause for kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and amputation of toes, feet, and legs from gangrene.

The most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones and frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol; less common causes are drugs or medication. The most common symptom is the onset of pain in the abdomen region usually within a day of binge drinking or eating a large meal. Sufferers often feel better in 2 to 3 days if they abstain from food and liquids. Acute pancreatitis is a one-time occurrence, chronic pancreatitis continues after the cause has been removed. Chronic pancreatitis is mostly frequently associated with alcohol abuse and excessive smoking. Chronic pancreatitis can be treated with surgery. Total abstinence from drinking is also required.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death. Breathing difficulties are the most common symptom and result from frequent lung infections. Cystic fibrosis is a disorder of exocrine glands causing the formation of a thick mucus substance that affects the lungs, intestines, pancreas, and liver. The most consistent aspect of therapy in cystic fibrosis is limiting and treating the lung damage caused by thick mucus and infections. Mechanical devices and inhalational medications are used to alter and clear the thickened mucus. Other aspects of CF therapy involve treatment of pancreatic disease with enzyme replacement.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreas.

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