Pancreatic Cancer

Why choose us for Pancreatic Cancer?

What you need to know about Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes that help in breaking down food, as well as hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar levels.

Types

Exocrine Tumors:
- Adenocarcinoma: Most common, starts in the ducts of the pancreas.
- Acinar Cell Carcinoma: Rare, arises from the enzyme-producing cells.
- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN): A pre-cancerous growth in the pancreatic ducts.
- Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms (MCNs): Cystic tumors with potential to become cancerous.
Endocrine Tumors (Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors or PNETs):
- Insulinomas: Produce excessive insulin.
- Gastrinomas: Produce excessive gastrin.
- Glucagonomas: Produce excessive glucagon.
- Somatostatinomas: Produce excessive somatostatin.
- VIPomas: Produce vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Causes

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, but several risk factors are associated with its development:

Genetic mutations: Both inherited and acquired.
Smoking: Major risk factor.
Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas.
Diabetes: Especially long-standing diabetes.
Obesity: Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased risk.
Age: Most common in people over 60.
Family history: Genetic predisposition.
Diet: High in red and processed meats.

Symptoms

Early-stage pancreatic cancer often shows no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Unexplained weight loss
Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
New-onset diabetes or worsening of pre-existing diabetes
Light-colored or greasy stools
Dark urine
Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves:

Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Blood Tests: Including tumor markers like CA 19-9.
Biopsy: Obtaining tissue samples via EUS or percutaneous methods.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): To examine the bile ducts.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options include:

Surgery: Potentially curative for localized cancer.
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy): Common for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- Distal pancreatectomy: For tumors in the body and tail.
- Total pancreatectomy: Removing the entire pancreas.
Radiation Therapy: Often combined with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to kill cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific cancer cell properties.
Immunotherapy: Leveraging the body’s immune system.
Palliative Care: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Prognosis

Prognosis for pancreatic cancer is generally poor, primarily due to late diagnosis:

5-year survival rate: Approximately 10% for all stages combined.
Localized disease: 5-year survival rate around 34%.
Regional spread: 5-year survival rate drops to about 12%.
Distant spread (metastatic): 5-year survival rate around 3%

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, certain measures can reduce risk:

Avoid smoking: Major risk factor reduction.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor.
Diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol consumption: Reduces risk of chronic pancreatitis.
Manage diabetes: Proper control and monitoring.

Survival rates

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, certain measures can reduce risk:

Avoid smoking: Major risk factor reduction.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor.
Diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol consumption: Reduces risk of chronic pancreatitis.
Manage diabetes: Proper control and monitoring.