Pancreatic Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms for pancreatic cancer?
Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to detect early. Often, tumors in the pancreas do not cause noticeable symptoms. You should consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Jaundice
Pain in the upper abdomen and back
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Weakness
Source: www.jamesline.com
Pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms early on. The cancer may grow for some time before it causes pressure in the abdomen, pain or other problems. In many cases, the cancer has spread outside the pancreas by the time it is found. When symptoms appear, they depend on the location and size of the tumor. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct so that bile cannot pass into the intestines, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and urine may become dark. This condition is called jaundice . ...
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
Pancreatic cancer can grow inside a person’s body for a long time before symptoms appear. These are the most common symptoms. Indigestion Yellow eyes, skin, or nails (jaundice) Pain in the abdomen or back Weight loss over several months that is unexpected Nausea Fatigue An enlarged abdomen, from a swollen gallbladder Digestive problems often happen if the tumor blocks the release of pancreatic juices into the intestines. If this happens, people can have problems digesting fatty foods. ...
Source: www.healthline.com
What is pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, liver and other organs. Over 95 percent of the cells in the pancreas form exocrine glands and ducts, so it makes sense that most pancreatic cancers occur in these cells. While the exocrine cells of the pancreas can form benign tumors (non-cancerous), malignant tumors (cancerous) are more common.
Source: www.jamesline.com
Pancreatic cancer happens when cells in the pancreas begin to grow out of control. These cancer cells then have the ability to spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs (such as the liver and lungs). When cancer spreads, it is called metastatic. About seventy percent of pancreatic cancers occur in the head of the pancreas, and most of these begin in the ducts that carry the enzymes.
Source: www.cancerhealercenter.com
A tumor that occurs in pancreatic cells that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and become mutated. A tumor can destory other healthy cells.
Source: healthyfoodblog.wordpress.com
WHAT IS METASTATIC PANCREATIC CANCER?
When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. For example, if cancer of the pancreas spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are pancreatic cancer cells. The disease is metastatic pancreatic cancer, not liver cancer. It is treated as pancreatic cancer, not liver cancer.
Source: www.pancreatic.org
What causes pancreatic cancer?
The development of pancreatic cancer is thought to be related to multiple genetic and environmental factors. Cigarette smoking is probably the biggest risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer. While there is an association between pancreatic cancer and diabetes, as well as chronic pancreatitis and obsesity, no causal relationship has ever been definitively proven. True hereditary cases are rare and may be suspected when 2 or more other family members have the disease.
Source: www.saintfrancisdoctors.com
How is Pancreatic Cancer treated?
Carcinoma of the pancreas can be treated in several different ways. If possible, the doctor will recommend surgery to remove the tumor. In most cases, the type of operation performed is known as a Whipple Operation . This surgery removes a large part of the pancreas, the duodenum and a portion of the bile duct. The patient may develop diabetes mellitus and need to take insulin. ...
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
This form of cancer can only be cured by surgery (removal of the tumour). Other forms of treatment can only relieve the symptoms (pain relief, improvement in digestion, insulin therapy etc.). Even chemotherapy cannot provide a cure, but can extend and improve the life of the patient.
Source: www.pankreaszentrum-nrw.de
What are the Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
Unfortunately, the signs of early stage pancreatic cancer are vague, and often attributed to other problems by both patients and physicians. More specific symptoms tend to develop after the tumor has grown to invade other organs or blocked the bile ducts. Symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice (a condition that causes yellowing of the eyes and skin and darkening of urine), pain in the upper abdomen or back, weakness, or nausea and vomiting. ...
Source: www.cancerhealercenter.com
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Firstly by ultrasound examination, then with computerised tomography (x-rays), and thereafter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In rare cases, a gastroscopy is carried out, with the pancreas being examined using endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP).
Source: www.pankreaszentrum-nrw.de
What are the causes and risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
It is difficult to discover what actually causes cancer from one person to another, but researchers have found several specific factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include: Over 50 years of age Men are about 30 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women African Americans are more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas than are white Americans or Asian Americans Cigarette smoking Diet high in meats and fat Diabetes mellitus ...
Source: www.jamesline.com
Are there clinical trials available for pancreatic cancer?
For a current list of all clinical trials at the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, click here .
Source: www.jamesline.com
WHERE DOES PANCREATIC CANCER BEGIN?
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts that carry pancreatic juices. Cancer of the pancreas may be called pancreatic cancer or carcinoma of the pancreas.
Source: www.pancreatic.org
Is there a blood test for pancreatic cancer?
There is no sensitive or specific test effective in the early detection or screening for pancreatic cancer. The most common blood test, Ca 19-9, is used primarily in following the tumor’s response to treatment and in surveillance for disease recurrence.
Source: www.saintfrancisdoctors.com
How Can I Prevent Pancreatic Cancer?
Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes the disease, so it is difficult to prevent. One important point is that the risk for smokers who quit does decrease; so giving up cigarettes is helpful. Be aware of your familys health history. This can make you and your healthcare providers aware of any increased risk.
Source: www.cancerhealercenter.com
What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Doctors treat pancreatic cancer in these 3 ways. Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy People may have these treatments alone or combined.
Source: www.healthline.com
How will my doctor know if I have pancreatic cancer?
To find the cause of a person's symptoms, the doctor performs a physical exam and asks about the person's medical history. In addition to checking general signs of health, the doctor may perform blood, urine and stool tests. Doctors may perform several tests that involve taking pictures of the pancreas and surrounding tissues and organs to help with diagnosis. These are called imaging tests. Imaging tests include Upper GI series, CT scanning, MRI, Ultrasonography and ERCP.
Source: www.jamesline.com
WHAT TYPES OF SURGICAL PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED TO TREAT PANCREATIC CANCER?
This depends where the tumor is located within the pancreas. The five parts of the pancreas are reviewed below. For a detailed explanation and illustrations of a particular surgical procedure, click on the name of the procedure. Cancer in the Head, Neck or Uncinate Process of the Pancreas:
The Whipple Procedure Cancer in the Body or Tail of the Pancreas:
Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy
Source: www.pancreatic.org
What kinds of complications occur after pancreatic cancer surgery?
Many patients undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery can expect to experience minor complications such as weight loss and wound infections. Major complications such as bleeding, intra-abdominal infections, leakage from the reconstructed GI tract, blood clots, heart attack, and pneumonia are becoming increasingly rare. This is due to significant improvements in patient selection, pre-operative preparation, surgical technique and postoperative care. ...
Source: www.saintfrancisdoctors.com
What can be done for the pain that is associated with Pancreatic Cancer?
There are several ways to control pain. In most cases, the doctor prescribes medication to control the pain. However, in some cases pain medication is not enough. The doctor may use other treatments that effect the nerves in the abdomen. The doctor may inject alcohol in to the area around certain nerves to block the feeling of pain. This procedure rarely causes problems and usually provides pain relief. Sometimes, the doctor cuts nerves in the abdomen during surgery to block the feeling of pain. ...
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
What else can be done to diagnose Pancreatic Cancer?
Pictures of the pancreas and nearby organs provide important clues as to whether a person has cancer. However, doing a biopsy is the only sure way for a doctor to determine whether pancreatic cancer is present. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small tissue sample. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Biopsies can be done by several different methods: CT scan guided, ultrasound guided, ERCP guided, or EUS guided.
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
What is planned for the future of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Map?
In early 2005, grants and funding opportunities from both the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer were added to the portfolio. In addition, we are already speaking to other organizations about joining the collaboration. Throughout 2005, the Research Map Web site will be adding new functionality to provide more tools, resources, and information to assist in the fight to eliminate pancreatic cancer. ...
Source: www.cancermap.org
How can I search the Pancreatic Cancer Research Map?
The Pancreatic Cancer Research Map allows visitors to search a comprehensive list of investigators and research projects relevant to pancreatic cancer. The Web site enables you to: Quickly View or Search for research in pancreatic cancer. Get information about Investigators in the field. Discover Funding Opportunities for pancreatic cancer research. Find Resources that may be of assistance to research.
Source: www.cancermap.org
Are there any connections between pancreatic cancer and pesticides?
Some studies have detected an association between pancreatic cancer and chronic exposure to certain pesticides, such as DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and 1,2 dichloroethane, probable human carcinogens. Regulatory controls are designed to minimize or eliminate human exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.
Source: www.doh.state.fl.us
How is the diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer made?
The clinical symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. Tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas tend to give symptoms in advanced stages (when the tumor is big or has seeded other organs). When located in the head of the pancreas, painless jaundice (yellow coloration of the skin or eyes) is usually present. Independent of the location, weight loss and anorexia (lack of appetite) are frequent complaints. The most frequently used radiological test is the abdominal computer tomography scan.
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
Is cigarette smoking a risk factors for Pancreatic Cancer?
Cigarette smoking is a strong risk factor for pancreatic cancer (among others) that can be eliminated. Other identified risk factors are advanced age, male gender, black ethnicity, Type-1 diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary or familial pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer in close relatives.
Source: www.pancreasfoundation.org
Is there a method for detecting pancreatic cancer at an early stage?
Unfortunately not yet. However, numerous research groups, including our group, are trying to solve this problem.
Source: www.swiss-pankreas.ch
What are the different types of pancreatic cancer?
Most cancers of the pancreas start in the ducts that carry pancreatic juices. They are called adenocarcinomas . These are less common types of pancreatic cancer. Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas Acinar cell carcinomas Large cell carcinomas These types are named after the way they look under the microscope. A rare type of pancreatic cancer starts in the cells of the pancreas that make insulin and other hormones. These cells are called islet cells. ...
Source: www.healthline.com
