The pancreas can become inflamed (swollen) and cause pain, often just above the belly button which may penetrate through to the back. This is called pancreatitis and can be caused by alcohol consumption (usually excessive alcohol intake), gall stones can also sometimes cause it as can certain viral infections and some drugs. The condition is often mild and settles on its own but occasionally can be severe and require a long stay in hospital. Another form of pancreatitis is much slower in onset and causes low level symptoms. This is often called chronic pancreatitis and can result in failure to produce enough enzymes (digestive juice) to digest food properly. This can lead to the failure to absorb the goodness from foods and lead to weight loss and diarrhoea. It can also sometimes cause diabetes. Pancreatic cancer is quite rare but when it occurs it also causes pain in a similar location and usually weight loss
