Actinic Keratosis Histology. Histology or biopsy is rarely needed to make the diagnosis of an actinic keratosis. When lesions are thick or hypertrophic, the physician may perform a biopsy to ensure the lesion has not progressed into an invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The histologic hallmark of an actinic keratosis is keratinocyte atypia of the lower epidermis.
A swollen pancreas is commonly caused by gallstones, which could force a patient to have their gallbladder removed. Problems with the pancreas can be diagnosed with an ultrasound. Alcohol abuse may cause a swollen pancreas. Cystic fibrosis is a painful, genetic disease that can lead to infections in the lungs. A pancreas that is not performing correctly may cause bloating and watery stools. Gallstones, which are hardened deposits of bile, often cause swollen pancreas.
At this point, symptoms depend on the cancer 's location within the pancreas 1  : Pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas tends to cause symptoms such as weight loss, jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine, light stool color, itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, back pain, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Pancreatic cancer can cause a dull ache in the upper abdomen radiating to the back. 2  The pain may come and go. 3  Bloating. 4  Some people with pancreatic cancer have a sense of early fullness with meals (satiety) or an uncomfortable swelling in the abdomen. 5  Nausea. 6  Diarrhea. 7  Pale-colored stools.