Pancreatic Cancers

Abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas

Overview

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the pancreas. There is an abnormal growth of cells in the inner lining of the pancreatic duct leading to the formation of tumors. It often goes undetected because it doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stage.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

Jaundice

Loss of Appetite

Weight Loss/Fatigue

Abdominal Pain Leading to Back Pain

Causes

Pancreatic cancer can be caused due to:

Diagnosis

Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than one of the following tests to determine the best treatment. Tests can include:

Blood Tests

MRI

CT Scan

Ultrasound

Biopsy

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

Treatment for pancreatic cancer will depend on its stage, location and patient’s overall health. Usually, it requires a very complex and extensive surgery. If the cancer is found in the head of the pancreas, Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is recommended to remove the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, a small portion of the bile duct along with lymph nodes and the first part of the small intestine. In some cases, a small part of the stomach and colon may also be removed. After that the remaining parts of the pancreas, stomach and intestines are reconnected to enable food digestion.

Some patients even have to get the entire pancreas removed if the cancer has spread to a very advanced stage. They will then be lifelong dependent on insulin and enzyme replacement.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

It is not possible to eliminate the risk of developing pancreatic cancer completely. However, it can be prevented by avoiding excessive smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.