Pancreatic Cancer:
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious forms of cancer. It develops when cancerous cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, a large organ that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and surgical removal is no longer possible.
For years, little was known about pancreatic cancer. But researchers are beginning to understand the genetic basis of the disease, knowledge that may eventually lead to new and better treatments. Additionally, patients may be able to reduce their risk of pancreatic cancer with certain lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not occur until the disease is very advanced. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the middle or upper back
- Loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of a patient’s eyes)
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Digestive problems
Causes of pancreatic cancer:
Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way. This process is controlled by DNA, the genetic material that contains the instructions for every chemical process in a person’s body. When DNA is damaged, changes occur in these instructions. One result is that cells may begin to grow out of control and eventually form a tumor, which is a mass of malignant cells.
Researchers do not yet know exactly what damages DNA in the vast majority of cases of pancreatic cancer. It is known, however, that a small percentage of people develop the disease as a result of a genetic predisposition. These people who have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with pancreatic cancer have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer themselves.
This means that people who have a hereditary predisposition to develop these cancers are also more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Yet only about 10 percent of pancreatic cancers result from an inherited tendency. A greater number are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet and chemical exposure.
Treatment & Prevention options:
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer as well as on the patient’s age, overall health and personal preferences. Especially when cancer is advanced, choosing a treatment plan is a major decision, and it's important for a patient to evaluate his or her choices carefully.
The first goal of treatment is always to eliminate the cancer completely. When that isn't possible, the focus may be on preventing the tumor from growing or causing more harm. In some cases, an approach called palliative care may be best. Palliative care refers to treatment aimed not at removing or slowing the disease, but at helping relieve symptoms and making the patient as comfortable as possible.
Additional treatment options include:
- Surgical options
- Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy)
- Total pancreatectomy
- Distal pancreatectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Palliative treatment options
- Surgical bypass
- Stent insertion
- Pain management
- Pancreatic enzyme tablets
- Insulin therapy
Related information:
- Anatomy & Functions of the pancreas
- National Institute of Health
- National Cancer Institute
- Confronting Pancreatic Cancer
- e-Medicine Health
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
