What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the cells of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the deadliest forms of cancer, primarily due to its tendency to be diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:
1. Exocrine pancreatic cancer: This is the most common type, accounting for about 95% of pancreatic cancer cases. It develops in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes. The most common form of exocrine pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
2. Endocrine pancreatic cancer: Also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) or islet cell tumors, this type of cancer originates from the endocrine cells of the pancreas that produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Endocrine pancreatic cancer is relatively rare but has a better prognosis compared to exocrine pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and when symptoms do appear, they can be vague and similar to those of other conditions. Common signs and symptoms may include abdominal or back pain, unintended weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, changes in bowel movements, and new-onset diabetes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI, biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor for analysis, blood tests to assess levels of certain tumor markers, and sometimes endoscopic procedures to visualize and obtain samples of the pancreas.
Treatments
Treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and overall health of the individual. They may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Palliative care is often incorporated to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with advanced or incurable pancreatic cancer.
Prevention
Preventive measures for pancreatic cancer are limited, but risk factors such as smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes can be taken into consideration.
Early detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer are challenging, but if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms or have risk factors, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.