What is the term for a diffuse inflammatory process of the pancreas?

The term for a diffuse inflammatory process of the pancreas is pancreatitis. This condition encompasses inflammation that can occur in various forms, including acute or chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas becomes swollen, red, and tender. The inflammation can result from various factors, including gallstones, chronic and excessive alcohol use, certain medications, or other medical conditions.

In contrast, pancreatic cancer refers to the development of malignant tumors within the pancreas, which is a distinctly different condition focused on abnormal cell growth rather than inflammation. Pancreatic necrosis specifically refers to the death of pancreatic tissue, which can occur as a complication of severe pancreatitis but does not describe the broader inflammatory process itself. Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, unrelated to the pancreas, further distinguishing it from pancreatitis. Thus, the term pancreatitis accurately describes the diffuse inflammatory process occurring in the pancreas.