Pancreatic cancer is a kind of cancer that starts with the proliferation of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is situated behind the lower section of the stomach. It produces enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.. It begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer is rarely identified in its early stages when the chances of curing it are highest. This is because it usually does not cause symptoms until it has progressed to other organs.
Pancreatic cancer is hard to find at its early stages when the chance of curing it is highest. This is because it often doesn't cause any symptoms until after it has spread to other organs.
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unclear, but certain factors may increase the risk, such as smoking and a family history of the disease.
Types
Pancreatic cancer has various types, with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas comprising over 90% of cases.
When discussing common symptoms and outcomes of pancreatic cancer, it usually pertains to adenocarcinoma.
The disease is broadly classified into exocrine pancreatic cancer, which includes
- Adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer
- Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer.
Each category presents different types of cancer with varying symptoms and prognoses.
Pancreatic cancer generally does not produce symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. The following are the symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that radiates to the sides or back.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice is characterized by yellowing skin and the eyes' whites.
- Light-colored or floating stools.
- Dark urine.
- Itching.
- A new diagnosis of diabetes or difficulty controlling existing diabetes.
- Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, potentially due to a blood clot.
- Fatigue or weakness.
Before the treatment starts, the patient has to undergo a series of investigations to identify the stage, grade, location, and type of pancreatic cancer.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, and occasionally PET scans, capture internal body images to diagnose pancreatic cancer.
Ultrasound scans: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) uses a camera-equipped endoscope and ultrasound device to capture images of the digestive tract and nearby organs, including the pancreas. The endoscope is passed through the throat into the stomach, where sound waves create detailed pictures of surrounding tissues.
Biopsy: A procedure to extract a small tissue sample for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of pancreatic cancer.
Blood tests: They can identify tumor markers like CA19-9, produced by pancreatic cancer cells, and are often repeated during and after treatment to track response. However, CA19-9 levels may not be elevated in all cases of pancreatic cancer, limiting its utility for some patients.
Patient recovery is determined by the kind, stage, and grade of the cancer, as well as the treatment. Supportive care at home is frequently required during and after treatment. Treatment success is also determined by the timing of cancer diagnosis. Full healing usually takes a few weeks to many months after treatment ends.
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