Pancreatic cancer is a severe illness in which malignant cells originate inside pancreatic tissues. So our purpose is to provide you with the information you need to make educated decisions about your health or the health of others you care about.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a critical organ, around 6 inches long, that looks like a narrow pear lying on its side. Additionally, it is divided into three sections: the head, the body, and the tail, which are located between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas performs two important roles in the body:
Firstly, it produces digestive juices necessary for breaking down food. Secondly, the pancreas secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon, regulating blood sugar levels. This is pivotal for energy utilization and storage.
It’s worth noting that approximately 95% of pancreatic cancers originate in the exocrine cells. Specifically, this primarily concerns exocrine pancreatic cancer, which is the focus of this guide.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas, a vital organ located behind the stomach. Furthermore, this glandular organ is essential for digestion and blood sugar regulation. Additionally, pancreatic cancer often develops in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts and can spread quickly to neighbouring organs.
Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, although having these factors doesn’t guarantee the disease’s onset. Key risk factors include:
Smoking: Smoking remains a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Obesity: Being obese increases the risk.
Diabetes: A personal history of diabetes or chronic pancreatitis raises the risk.
Family History: Having a family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis can contribute.
Hereditary Conditions: Certain hereditary conditions, such as specific genetic mutations, can predispose individuals to pancreatic cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t manifest early signs or symptoms. When present, these symptoms may overlap with those of other illnesses, making early detection challenging. You need to consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Light-colored stools.
- Dark urine.
- Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue.
Early Diagnosis Challenges
Detecting pancreatic cancer in its early stages presents significant challenges, primarily because:
- Lack of Noticeable Signs: In the early stages, pancreatic cancer typically doesn’t display noticeable signs or symptoms.
- Symptom Overlap: The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are akin to those of numerous other ailments.
- Pancreas Location: The pancreas is concealed behind other organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and bile ducts, further complicating early diagnosis.
Diagnostic Procedures
To diagnose and stage pancreatic cancer, a series of tests and procedures are employed, often conducted concurrently for a comprehensive assessment. These may include:
- Physical Exam and Health History
- Blood Chemistry Studies: Analyzing blood samples to measure specific substances like bilirubin.
- Tumor Marker Test: Checking blood, urine, or tissue samples for substances like CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), linked to certain cancers.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Utilizing magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to create detailed internal body images.
- CT Scan (CAT Scan)
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan): Employing radioactive glucose to identify malignant tumour cells.
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Inserting an endoscope to bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues for sonogram creation.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): X-raying the ducts carrying bile, useful when pancreatic cancer obstructs these ducts.
- Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC): X-raying the liver and bile ducts using a needle inserted through the skin.
- Laparoscopy: Surgical procedure to inspect abdominal organs for disease signs.
- Biopsy: Removal of cells or tissues for microscopic examination, a crucial step in cancer diagnosis.
Prognosis and Treatment
The tumour’s resectability, cancer stage, the patient’s general condition, and whether the cancer is freshly diagnosed or recurring all influence prognosis and treatment choices. Pancreatic cancer can be controlled if detected early and can be surgically removed. However, in advanced cases, palliative treatment helps manage symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer stages are classified as follows:
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Abnormal cells are detected in the pancreas lining, which may develop into cancer.
Stage I: Cancer is confined to the pancreas. Subdivided into IA (tumour ≤ 2 cm) and IB (tumour> 2 cm but ≤ 4 cm).
- Stage II: Further divided into IIA and IIB, depending on tumour size and cancer spread.
- Stage III: Cancer affects major blood vessels near the pancreas or four or more nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity.
Treatment Categories
The choice of treatment depends on factors like resectability and cancer stage. Categories include:
- Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Tumors that can be surgically removed as they have not infiltrated critical blood vessels.
- Borderline Resectable Cancer: Tumors that might be surgically removed with more advanced techniques due to their proximity to vital structures.
- Locally Advanced Cancer: Tumors that are challenging to remove surgically due to extensive local spread.
- Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Disease that has spread to distant organs.
- Recurrent Cancer: Disease that returns after initial treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pancreatic cancer poses significant challenges in terms of early detection and treatment. Awareness of risk factors, vigilant monitoring of symptoms, and timely medical consultation can enhance the chances of early diagnosis and effective management. For a health checkup, comprehensive care and expert guidance on pancreatic cancer, please don’t hesitate to contact Avicenna International Hospital to schedule a consultation with our experienced oncologists.
If you experience symptoms or have risk factors, it’s crucial to take action:
Consult a Doctor: Share your concerns and symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor will recommend tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Seek Second Opinions: Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if needed. Early diagnosis is key.
No, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and participation in clinical trials.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce your risk.
While there are no guaranteed methods to prevent Cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly lower your risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can help reduce the risk of obesity-related Cancer.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk.
Screening: If you have a family history of Pancreatic Cancer, genetic counselling and screening may be recommended.
