Can the pancreas repair itself? If so how, and how long does it take?

Not Medical Advice: It is believed that in some cases, the pancreas can heal itself. Acute pancreatitis can occur suddenly, lasts a couple of days, and heals itself. Chronic pancreatitis lasts for a much longer time and usually cannot heal itself. Chronic pancreatitis results in the inability to digest fat and damages insulin production.

Symptoms of both acute and chronic pancreatitis issues can include severe pain in the upper abdomen, fever, nausea, jaundice, sweating, and rapid pulse.

Sadly, it was recently announced that Wilko Johnson, Game of Thrones actor and musician, was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive chemotherapy and is planning to finish his new CD and take a short tour to perform some farewell shows.

Updated on Wednesday, January 23 2013 at 12:38AM EST