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Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignancy that develops in the pancreas, an organ playing a key role in digestion. Symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, weakness, bloating, jaundice, and loss of appetite. Treatment options generally involve surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Detecting pancreatic cancer in its early stages is often difficult, which makes timely medical intervention critically important.
- Table Of Contents
- What is Pancreatic Cancer?
- What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
- What are the Causes of Pancreatic Cancer?
- What are the Diagnostic Methods for Pancreatic Cancer?
- What are the Stages of Pancreatic Cancer?
- What are the Treatment Methods for Pancreatic Cancer?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic Cancer
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer, which is caused by malignant masses that will form in any part of the pancreas, is one of the types of cancer that is difficult to diagnose early because it progresses in a short time and without symptoms. Cancer cells that form in the pancreas can spread to other organs quickly, so it is necessary to consult specialist doctors when the slightest symptom appears. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, which has different types, is called "adenocancer."
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer, which has more than one type, is classified into two types. The most common is exocrine pancreatic cancer, which is caused by tumors formed in the ducts carrying pancreatic juice. The endocrine type is endocrine pancreatic cancer, with tumors in the cells that produce hormones. These pancreatic cancer types are also classified according to the course of the tumor in the body.
Regional Pancreatic Cancer
The cancer has spread to nearby blood vessels and lymph nodes along with the pancreas but has not reached distant organs. This type of cancer is not suitable for surgical intervention.
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas cancer has spread to nearby blood vessels and lymph nodes and the liver, lungs, and even bones. In this case, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as treatments.
Recurrent pancreatic cancer
It is the name given to the type of cancer that recurs in or near the surgically treated area after treatment.
Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer
Neuroendocrine type is divided into two: resectable and unresectable. Resectable types are suitable for surgical applications. With the help of medical imaging methods and various tests, the size and location of the tumors are determined. The cancer can be easily removed by surgery if the size of the tumor, metastasis status, or location factors allow for surgical intervention. Unresectable pancreatic cancer is a type that is not suitable for surgical intervention. In this situation, methods for endocrine cancer are applied to patients, and an appropriate treatment is determined with molecular imaging systems.
What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that causes almost no symptoms in its initial stages and is, therefore, difficult to detect. However, as it progresses, it starts to give some symptoms. Common pancreatic cancer symptoms seen in many people include:
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Loss of appetite and involuntary excessive weight loss
- Pain in the upper abdomen and back, feeling of depression
- Blood coagulation
- Weakness
- Swelling and indigestion
In addition, the disease has many other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pale skin. One of the first symptoms that manifests in the early period is usually jaundice. This problem first manifests in the eyes and then spreads to various skin parts.
The pain in the abdomen is mild at first but then turns into severe pain that hits the back.
The confusion of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer with the symptoms of different diseases also makes the diagnosis difficult from time to time. Therefore, if a few of the above symptoms are present, it is essential to take them seriously and see a specialist doctor without wasting time for the success of the treatment.
What are the Causes of Pancreatic Cancer?
Many conditions can be counted among the causes of pancreatic cancer. In high-risk groups, individuals who smoke heavily and those with weight problems are at the forefront. The most common cause in the majority of patients is smoking. Additionally, a family history of cancer may also serve as a significant trigger.
The Role of Nutrition
Nutritional habits are among the serious factors contributing to the disease. A diet lacking sufficient fruit and vegetables, combined with high-calorie and protein-rich foods, can substantially increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
Other Contributing Conditions
Excessive weight gain, occupational exposure to petroleum or chemical products, and diabetes are also recognized as important triggers. These conditions, either alone or combined, may create a stronger predisposition to pancreatic cancer.
Gender and Age Distribution
Pancreatic cancer is more frequently observed in men than in women. Research has also shown that the risk of developing this cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring after the age of 45. However, the possibility of contracting the disease at an earlier stage of life also exists.
What are the Diagnostic Methods for Pancreatic Cancer?
This disease, which settles and develops silently in the patient's body, does not show itself much initially. However, over time, it starts to give symptoms, and early treatment creates an easier treatment chance for the patient. To diagnose pancreatic cancer, some applications should be made.
Ultrasonography
Using ultrasonography, issues such as the presence of a mass on the pancreas, its size, its proximity to its surroundings, the degree of spread, and its proximity to the vessels, if any, are determined in detail.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
In computerized tomography or CT for short, imaging is provided with a drug administered through the mouth and intravenous route. With this method, a 95% definitive diagnosis can be made. Differential factors of tumors can also be detected with MRI. It is possible to use these two methods together in the diagnosis phase.
Blood Tests
Various blood tests measure the degree of multiple substances secreted in the liver. These tests give detailed information about tumors such as CA 19.9 and CEA. Blood tests are methods used to obtain information in the follow-up of patients with a precise diagnosis
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
This screening method is used in cancer cases that have progressed. It is a method mainly used to determine which regions the cancer cells have spread to.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreaticography (ERCP)
It is a diagnostic method entered from the duodenum that provides imaging of areas such as the pancreatic and bile ducts. In cases of pancreatic cancer, imaging techniques and blood tests are usually sufficient.
What are the Stages of Pancreatic Cancer?
As in every disease, pancreatic cancer progresses through several stages, each with distinct characteristics and treatment options.
Stage I: Localized Tumor
In the first stage, the tumor is confined to the pancreas. If diagnosed early, it can be surgically removed, allowing the patient to overcome the disease.
Stage II: Regional Spread
In the second stage, cancer begins to spread beyond the pancreas, affecting nearby tissues and lymph nodes. Surgery is still possible at this stage, depending on the extent of the spread.
Stage III: Involvement of Major Blood Vessels
At this stage, cancer cells extend into surrounding blood vessels. Surgery may not always provide a definitive solution, and additional treatment methods are often required.
Stage IV: Advanced Spread
In the final stage, cancer cells spread to distant areas, including the lungs and abdominal organs. At this point, treatment focuses on managing the disease and improving the patient’s quality of life.
With effective treatment methods, patients diagnosed in the first and second stages can often return to their daily lives relatively quickly.
What are the Treatment Methods for Pancreatic Cancer?
Many factors affect the treatment plan for pancreatic cancer. The rate of disease progression, the stage at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences all play crucial roles in determining how treatment will begin. Early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful outcomes compared to advanced stages.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the first and most effective treatment method, especially in the first and second stages of pancreatic cancer. Depending on the case, the entire pancreas or only the tumor may be removed. In some instances, the duodenum and lymph nodes are also taken out if the disease has spread further. With early diagnosis, surgery often enables patients to return to their daily lives. However, in more advanced stages where cancer cells have spread extensively, surgical intervention may become less effective.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is another important method used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In some cases, it is applied in combination with chemotherapy. The synergy of both treatments often leads to tumor shrinkage, which may make surgical removal easier and more effective.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of specific drugs to destroy cancer cells. Beyond directly eliminating malignant cells, it also prevents them from multiplying, thereby slowing the overall progression of the disease.
Before Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
- Good communication between the patient and the doctor is essential for the smooth progress of the surgical process.
- The patient must be fully prepared for the operation.
- General medical evaluations and controls are performed before surgery.
- Multiple tests are conducted to determine whether the patient is physically fit for surgery.
- Test results can be shared with the patient upon request.
- If any complication is identified that may affect the surgery, this is reported to both the patient and their relatives.
- The patient’s age is an important factor in deciding on surgical eligibility.
- Eating habits, the use of other medications, smoking cessation, and avoidance of alcohol consumption are carefully evaluated during this stage
What is the Process After Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?
Only about 20% of people with pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed early. For this reason, the number of people who get rid of this disease with surgery is minor. Whether there will be an improvement in people's quality of life after treatment varies according to the stages of the disease. However, multiple factors exist, such as the patient's response to treatment and general health. After the treatment, it is essential to avoid smoking for the patients to return to their everyday lives in a short time and to prevent the malignant cells from renewing themselves. At the same time, a balanced and regular diet is essential in this process. Care should be taken not to gain excessive weight but also to protect their psychological health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic Cancer
What were your first signs of pancreatic cancer?
The first symptoms of pancreatic cancer include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It is often difficult to diagnose in the early stage.
Is pancreas cancer curable?
If pancreatic cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be treated through surgery and other therapeutic methods. In advanced stages, achieving a complete cure is more challenging.
How quickly does pancreatic cancer spread?
Pancreatic cancer is generally a rapidly progressing disease. Since it can spread without showing symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Which department should be consulted for pancreatic cancer?
For pancreatic cancer, patients should consult the internal medicine or gastroenterology department.
