To understand what pancreatic cancer is, you must first understand what the pancreas is and what it does. The pancreas is a gland that runs about six inches in length within the abdominal area. The pancreas produces insulin which regulates blood sugar levels and enzymes. These enzymes aid in the digestion of food.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells grow out of control and begin to spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. These out of control cells become known as tumors. Most of the time, cancer begins in the ducts that carry enzymes into the bowel. The pancreas itself is divided into three areas. The head, the middle and the tail. The majority of cancers occur in the head of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Cancer Risks.
With this particular type of cancer, there are certain risk factors. Some people are more predisposed to such a condition. Here is a quick check list.
• Family history of this type of cancer. Close family members such as siblings, parents etc. increases risks sharply.
• Other types of cancer such as breast or colon cancer in the family.• Age is an important factor. Individuals between 60-80 years of age are at a higher
risk than people under age 40.
• Smokers are at an increased risk. In fact your chances are at least doubled if you are a smoker.
• Diabetic patients seems to be at greater risk.
• High fat diets.
• Environmental exposures such as industrial job sites includes; People working with chemicals, in labs, metal workers, pesticide exposure, coal and gas.
• Cancer causing gene. As with breast cancer, if several close family members have pancreatic cancer, colon or breast cancer you may want to get tested for gene mutations.
Prevention
The best way to prevent this disease is to quit smoking
and stay away from the above environmental factors. There
is no known cause at this time for pancreatic cancer.
If you do suspect is might have a genetic mutation, please
see your doctor.
If you do carry the gene for cancer it may be detectable
in your blood or bowel. A doctor will do an exam, take
a stool sample, urine sample and/or blood.
Ways To Diagnosis Pancreatic Cancer
An Upper GI Series may be ordered along with x-rays of
the area. These tests will help determine cancer cells,
stages of development and location. If cancer is present
surgery, depending on location may be appropriate. Other
useful methods in determining and diagnosing pancreatic
cancer include: CAT scan, MRI, PET scan, Laparoscopy,
Endoscopic ultrasound or a biopsy.
Signs and symptoms
Like so many other types of cancer, the signs of pancreatic
cancer often go unnoticed. Pancreatic cancer is known
as “The silent killer.” Some patients will
not experience symptoms at all in the early stages, while
others will write them off as symptoms of other conditions.
Once the tumor becomes more advanced, symptoms are on
the rise. By now the cancer has invaded other organs or
can be blocking bile ducts.
• Significant weight lossTreatment Options
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in upper abdomen and/ or back.
• Sometimes diabetes can be a sign
• Glucose intolerance
Treatment options are not as wide and varied as in other types of cancer.
Surgery
If the tumor is small and localized, surgery can be successful. Surgery is complicated and difficult so this option is not widely used.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the success rate for both of these types of therapy isn’t very high. These treatments do prolong life expectancy and quality of life for cancer patients, but do not boast permanent solutions or cures.
Clinical Trials
Researchers are constantly working on new drug therapies
and patients may want to participate in clinical trials.
This is a decision that can only be made by you and your
physician. Please speak with your doctor about any and
all information contained herein.
Remember, each case must be evaluated on an individual
basis.This article is meant for informational purposes
only. It is not intended for treatment nor diagnosis.
