What is Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a disease of the pancreas, which is difficult to identify in its early stages. This is because it can grow for some time before it causes pressure in the stomach or any pain is felt.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms may be changeable, often non-specific and represent a variety of possibilities besides pancreatic cancer. Characteristically, pale bowel movements, itching, dark urine and jaundice may indicate the growth of pancreatic cancer.
Often weight loss, tiredness, loss of appetite and decreased energy are experienced. Pain may be present if the tumor is advanced.
Studies have indicated a pancreatic polypeptide is frequently secreted by pancreatic endocrine tumors and is considered a sign for such tumors. Blood clots are strongly linked with pancreatic cancer and can be the initial symptom of the disease.
Treatments and Procedures
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on a number of factors. Among these are the type, size, and extent of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general health. Pancreatic cancer is often very difficult to treat because it's usually discovered too late. It is curable only when found in its earliest stages, before it has spread.
Pancreatic cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
There are three types of curative surgeries commonly performed:
- Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)
- Distal pancreatectomy
- Total pancreatectomy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-powered rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Radiation is usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer throughout the body. Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles — a treatment period followed by a recovery period.
Endocrine pancreatic cancers may be less aggressive. Sometimes, no treatment is needed unless the tumor causes hormonal imbalances that require management.
As with all cancers, advanced technology plays a vital role. Imaging tools such as:
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
- Ultrasound
- CT Scans (Computerized Tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
...help detect pancreatic tumors early and allow doctors to tailor the most effective treatment plans.
Pancreatic Cancer
Signs & Symptoms
- Upper abdominal or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Fatigue or new-onset diabetes
Risk Factors
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Inherited gene mutations (e.g. BRCA)
Prevention
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat fruits, vegetables & fiber-rich foods
- Stay physically active
- Control diabetes and monitor blood sugar
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for lumps or irregularities. It helps detect abnormalities that may require further testing.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer but also other benign conditions.
- MRI Scan: Provides clearer images of the prostate to identify suspicious areas for biopsy.
- Prostate Biopsy: Tissue samples are collected and examined under a microscope if PSA or MRI suggest cancer.
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Uses sound waves to image the prostate and guide biopsy needles.
- Bone Scan or CT/MRI: Used after diagnosis to check if cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
Pancreatic Cancer FAQs
Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the pancreas, which helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation. It is often aggressive and difficult to detect early.
- Smoking
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Age over 60
- Genetic mutations (BRCA2, Lynch syndrome)
- Jaundice
- Abdominal or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Dark urine or pale stools
- New-onset diabetes
- CT scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound
- Blood tests (CA 19-9)
- Biopsy
- Endoscopic procedures (ERCP)
- Exocrine tumors (adenocarcinomas)
- Neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs)
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes immunotherapy. Early detection improves outcomes.
Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate around 10–12%, mostly because it's often diagnosed late.
- Don't smoke
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control diabetes
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Family history
- Genetic conditions (BRCA, Lynch syndrome)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Long-standing diabetes
- Smoking
There is no standard screening, but high-risk individuals may benefit from MRI or endoscopic ultrasound surveillance.
