Everything you need to know about pancreatic cancer

Cancer is a devastating illness not only because of the tragedy it causes, but also when it is deadly and silent. Pancreatic cancer is one such aggressive cancer that begins in cells of the digestive tract called the pancreas. It claimed the lives of dynamic personalities like late Prime Minister Gore and Defense Minister Sri Manohar Parical and Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The following needs to shed light on this elusive illness.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is the elongated digestive organ behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It secretes digestive juices and also insulin, which controls blood sugar levels.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. Billions of cells need to be replaced every day. The process by which a cell divides and replaces another cell is tightly regulated. Occasionally mistakes occur during this process, affecting our genetic code, which are called mutations. It causes uncontrolled or uncontrolled cell division, which causes cancer. Cancer cells cause tumors, which grow rapidly and spread to other organs.

Among the cancers that affect the abdominal organs, pancreatic cancer is especially deadly. The overall 5-year survival rate for all stages of post-diagnosis disease is only 6%. Most cancers of the pancreas originate from the cells that line the tubes that carry digestive juices and are called adenocarcinomas.

Despite all recent advances in the treatment of other cancers, post-diagnosis survival of pancreatic cancer has not improved significantly over the past few decades.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Symptoms are non-specific and include upper abdominal or back pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, digestive problems, jaundice or yellowish discoloration of the eyes. Because the symptoms are non-specific, there is often a delay before the diagnosis is made.

What tests are needed to diagnose pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose because it is deep in the upper abdomen. Tests during staging usually include blood tests, ultrasound, and often require a CT scan of the abdomen. Other tests such as tumor markers, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasonography may be needed for further evaluation.

What are the treatment options for pancreatic cancer?
Surgery is the only treatment option that can provide healing opportunities. It can only be done if the cancer has been localized to the pancreas without metastasizing to other organs. The surgical procedure commonly required is called a whipple procedure and is a complex surgical procedure due to the large number of important structures near the pancreas. Unfortunately, after the test, only 1 in 5 patients can have surgery. The remaining tumors are either overgrown locally or have spread to other organs.

Other treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In some cases, it is given preoperatively to increase the chances of the tumor being removed if it is in the borderline stage.

If the tumor has spread or spread to other organs, palliative therapy is given, including the use of painkillers and endoscopic stents to reduce jaundice.

What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

Certain risk factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. These include smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity, ages over 40-50, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, certain drugs, family history, and fatty diets.

Some preventative measures can reduce the correctable risk factors for pancreatic cancer by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, and moderate alcohol intake.

When should you see your doctor?
Ages over 40 with weight and appetite loss, presence of alarm symptoms such as back pain with or without unexplained epigastrium or jaundice should be prioritized to see a doctor and undergo a thorough examination Prompt to.

This article was written by Dr Neel Shetty, Senior Consultant in the Department of Surgery and Gastroenterology at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital in Bangalore.