PANCREATIC CANCER
PANCREATIC CANCER
Pancreatic cancer is a disease of the pancreas, which is difficult to identify in its early stages. This is because it can grow for some time before it causes pressure in the stomach or any pain is felt. Pancreatic cancer symptoms may be changeable, often non-specific and represent a variety of possibilities besides pancreatic cancer. Characteristically, pale bowel movements, itching, dark urine and jaundice may indicate the growth of pancreatic cancer. Often weight loss, tiredness, loss of appetite and decreased energy are experienced. Pain may be present if the tumor is advanced.
Studies have indicated a pancreatic polypeptide is frequently secreted by pancreatic endocrine tumors and is considered a sign for such tumors. Blood clots are strongly linked with pancreatic cancer and can be the initial symptom of the disease.
Treatments and Procedures
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on a number of factors. Among these are the type, size, and extent of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general health. Pancreas cancer is often very difficult to treat, because it's often discovered too late. Cancer of the pancreas is curable only when it is found in its earliest stages, before it has spread to other organs.
Pancreatic cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. There are three types of curative surgeries that are commonly done to treat pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)
- Distal pancreatectomy
- Total pancreatectomy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-powered rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Radiation is usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles; a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on.
Cancers of endocrine pancreas are sometimes minor and no treatment is necessary. However, they can provoke serious hormonal disorder that has to be treated.
Similar to all cancers, treatment for pancreatic cancer uses latest technologies. Advanced technology has made it possible both to detect bladder cancer earlier and devise the best treatment options. Multiple imaging tools, including intravenous pyelogram (IVP), ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provide very detailed images of the pancreas, uncovering masses and allowing physicians to precisely tailor treatment options and recommendations.