The pancreas is a 6-inch-long organ located in the abdomen near the gallbladder. It aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and regulates blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the pancreas. Tumors start to develop and interfere with the way the pancreas functions. It often does not show symptoms until the later stage, which makes it difficult to manage.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
The exact causes are not yet known. Certain gene mutations can be responsible for the same. But some risk factors can increase the chances of developing pancreatic cancer, which are:
- Age – Most cases of pancreatic cancers are found in people over 65 years of age.
- Gender – Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- Excessive exposure to chemicals found in dry cleaning and metal industries
- Diabetes
- Liver Cirrhosis
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
- Pain in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Liver swelling
- Blood clots in the lungs or legs.
- Diabetes
- Jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dizziness
Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Limit exposure to chemicals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound – Endoscopic Ultrasound uses a device to make images of your pancreas from inside the abdomen.
- Biopsy – It is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for examination in a lab under a microscope.
- Blood tests – The doctor may test your blood and look for specific proteins shed by pancreatic cancer cells.
- Imaging tests – CT Scans, MRIs, and PET Scans help doctors study the pancreas and make a deeper diagnosis.
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
- Surgery – The surgeon may recommend surgery based on the location and size of the tumors. In some cases, the removal of the pancreas may be guided by the surgeons.
- Chemotherapy – This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. It does this either by killing the cancer cells or by preventing their further division. One can administer it either intravenously or orally. Doctors might use a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, known as Chemoradiation, to treat cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the pancreas.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation like X-rays and protons to kill the cancer cells or halt their growth.
- Targeted Therapy – This treatment uses drugs that are designed specifically to target the tumor cells. These therapies usually cause less harm to normal and healthy cells than chemotherapy and radiation therapy.