Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic carcinoma is cancer of the
pancreas.
A tumor or cancer in the pancreas may
often grow without any symptoms at first. This may mean
pancreatic cancer is more advanced when it is first found.
Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer
include:
·
Pain or discomfort in the upper part of
the belly or abdomen
·
Loss of appetite and weight loss
·
Jaundice (a yellow color in the skin,
mucus membranes, or the eyes)
·
Dark urine and clay-colored stools
·
Fatigue and weakness
·
Nausea and vomiting
Other possible symptoms are:
·
Back pain
·
Blood clots
·
Depression
·
Diarrhea
·
Difficulty sleeping
·
Indigestion
Because pancreatic cancer is often
advanced when it is first found, very few pancreatic tumors can
be removed by surgery. The standard procedure is called a
pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure).
This surgery should be done at
centers that perform the procedure frequently. Some studies
suggest that surgery is best performed at hospitals that do more
than five of these surgeries per year.
When the tumor has not spread out of
the pancreas but cannot be removed, radiation therapy and
chemotherapy together may be recommended.
Patients whose tumor cannot be
totally removed, but who have a blockage of the tubes that
transport bile (biliary obstruction) must have that blockage
relieved. There are generally two approaches to this:
·
Surgery
·
Placement of a tiny metal tube (biliary
stent) during ERCP
Management of pain and other symptoms
is an important part of treating advanced pancreatic cancer.
Hospice can help with pain and symptom management, and provide
psychological support for patients and their families during the
illness.
The pancreas is a large organ that is
found behind the stomach. It makes and releases enzymes that
help the body absorb foods, especially fats. Hormones called
insulin and glucagon are also made in the pancreas. These
hormones help your body control blood sugar levels.
The exact cause is unknown, but
pancreatic cancer is more common in smokers, alcoholics, and people who are
obese. Pancreatic cancer is slightly more common in women than
in men. The risk increases with age.
A small number of cases are related
to genetic syndromes that are passed down through families.
·
CT scan of the abdomen
·
MRI of the abdomen
·
Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
·
Endoscopic ultrasound
·
Pancreatic biopsy
This disease may also affect the
results of the following tests:
·
Liver function tests
·
Serum bilirubin
·
Complete blood count (CBC)
Some patients with pancreatic cancer
that can be surgically removed are cured. However, in more than
80% of patients the tumor has already spread and cannot be
completely removed at the time of diagnosis.
Chemotherapy and radiation are often
given after surgery to increase the cure rate (this is called
adjuvant therapy). For pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed
completely with surgery, or cancer that has spread beyond the
pancreas, a cure is not possible and the average survival is
usually less than 1 year. Such patients should consider
enrolling in a clinical trial (a medical research study to
determine the best treatment).
Ninety-five percent of the people
diagnosed with this cancer will not be alive 5 years later.
·
If you smoke, stop smoking.
·
Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables,
and whole grains.
·
Exercise regularly.
·
Blood clots
·
Depression
·
Infections
·
Liver problems
·
Pain
·
Weight loss