When there are genetic mutations in the pancreatic cells they tend to multiply abnormally and live for prolonged period of time, more than the normal cells. These accumulated cells cause tumor formation in the pancreas.
There are primarily two types of pancreatic cancers:-
Cancers of the pancreatic duct – these are the adenocarcinoma’s and constitute the majority of all pancreatic cancers. These type falls in the category of endocrine tumors
Cancers of the hormone producing cells – these are very rare and are also called as endocrine cancers.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer generally occur at advanced stage when it cannot be removed surgically. Early symptoms are not specific therefore the disease is not diagnosed unless it advances.
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,depression, significant weight loss, pain in upper abdomen which may radiate to back and yellowing of the skin and white portion of the eyes are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
At present no tests are available for screening of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed on the basis of ultrasound of the abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT scan), endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biopsy of the pancreas.
The tests for staging the pancreatic cancer are chest X-ray, laproscopy, CT scan, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, bone scan and blood test (liver function test).
The treatment depends on age and overall health of the patient, stage of the cancer, location of the cancer and patients choice for the treatment. The treatment options are elimination of the cancer if possible, prevention of the growth of the cancer and if the cancer is in advanced stage then treatment for the symptom relief for patient’s comfort. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy are the treatment modalities available. Targeted drugs specifically act on the abnormality of the cancer cells. These drugs block the chemical which signals the growth and division of the cancer cells.
Pancreatic cancer is rarely detected in its early stage. The outcome of pancreatic cancer is poor even if it is detected in early stage. It spreads rapidly.
Jaundice, sever abdominal pain, blockage of the digested food to the intestine (bowel obstruction), weight loss and death can occur due to pancreatic cancer.
Eating a healthy diet; eating more fruits; vegetables and whole grains; maintaining healthy and weight; quitting smokingand regular exercise help in preventing pancreatic cancer.
