Pancreatic/Pancreas Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India
Overview
Pancreatic cancer affects the tissue of the pancreas. It is caused due to abnormal growth in the cells of pancreatic tissue. These growths can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. The pancreas is an important organ in your body that releases essential enzymes which aid in digestion and produces hormones that manage the level of sugar in your blood.
Associated Anatomy
Pancreas, lymph nodes, liver
Pancreatic Cancer Causes
Pancreatic cancer is known to happen when there is an abnormal increase in the number and size of typical cancerous cells that may lead to tumors. These tumor cells slowly replace the function of healthy cells in the pancreas. The exact cause of this is not known.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Early signs are relatively rare in pancreatic cancer. Most people might notice yellowing of the skin or whitening of the eye (jaundice) as a common sign. The other common signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:
- Upper abdominal pain (it may also spread to the back).
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored pee
- Weight Loss
- Blood clots in the body
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diabetes: If you have recently developed diabetes, or you already have diabetes that is worsening
- Pancreatitis
Pancreatic Cancer Stages
Pancreatic cancer is classified into five stages. The diagnosis and treatment planning depends on the stage of cancer. Based on the location, size, and spread, it can be divided into the following stages:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cell in the pancreatic lining. The cells may start spreading to the surrounding tissue.
- Stage 1: Cancer has spread in the pancreas.
- Stage 2: The tumor has progressed to surrounding tissues, organs, or lymph nodes and is located in the pancreas.
- Stage 3: Cancer has migrated to major blood arteries and lymph nodes near the pancreas at this stage.
- Stage 4: The disease has migrated to other areas, such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal cavity.
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
The following tests can be used to aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer:
- Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging: These scans are used to get a detailed image of the pancreas.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: it consists of a flexible and thin tube with a small camera. This is inserted into your stomach to view the pancreas.
- Biopsy/Tissue sample: Biopsy is a sample of pancreatic tissue is examined to confirm the presence of tumors.
- An evaluation of the blood for the presence of the tumor marker CA 19-9 may suggest pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
The treatment for pancreatic cancer is based on several factors. The stage of pancreatic cancer, the location of the tumor, any debilitating condition, the overall health of the patient, and the spread of cancer to the adjacent structures are some factors that guide the treatment planning. The following treatment options are available:
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal of the tumor is done. This procedure is known as pancreatectomy. However, if the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas, another surgical procedure known as the “Whipple procedure” is used. A surgical method can be used for the removal of the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, a portion of the bile duct, and nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy (High energy radiations) are used in this therapy to kill the tumor cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a combination of different drugs used in this method to destroy the tumor cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to improve the body's fighting capacity to survive cancer. However, it is mostly not very effective in curing pancreatic cancer except for 1% of patients who may benefit from this therapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy is a specialized technique in which the treatment is directed to certain genes or proteins that are essential for cancer growth.
Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer
Following factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer
- Tobacco Use: Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 20-35%.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages each day may raise your risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Pancreatitis: A long-standing inflammation of the pancreas may be a risk factor. Inflammation of the pancreas may also occur as a result of genetic predisposition.
- Obesity: An abnormal increase in weight may aid in the development of pancreatic cancer.
- Diet: A diet rich in red and processed meats, junk foods, sugar, or fat may raise your risk.
- Work Environment: Exposure to chemicals, especially those used in pesticides and the metalworking industry, are known to be associated with 12% of the cases.
- Diabetes: Infections and Hepatitis B
Pancreatic Cancer Prevention
Due to the lack of knowledge about what causes pancreatic cancer, it is hard to prevent it. However, you may be able to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer by following these strategies:
- Quit smoking
- Eat properly and exercise regularly: Try to achieve and maintain a normal weight.
- Consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it completely.
- Attempt to avoid developing diabetes: Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- If your job requires you to be exposed to toxins, use protective equipment.
Possible Complications of Pancreatic Cancer
Complications of pancreatic cancer include:
- Weight Loss: There are various factors that could cause weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer. Weight loss may occur as a result of cancer-consuming energy.
- Jaundice: Cancer of the pancreas that blocks the liver's bile duct can cause jaundice. This condition is characterized by yellow skin, yellow eyes, and dark-colored urine and stools.
- Pain: The growing tumor can cause severe abdominal pain if it presses on your nerves. There are pain medications that you can take to ease your pain.
- Bowel Obstruction: An infiltrating or pressing pancreatic cancer can block the flow of food from your stomach into your intestines.
Epidemiology Of Pancreatic Cancer
- The prevalence of pancreatic cancer is known to be higher among adults aged 65 to 74.
- Men are reported to be more vulnerable than women.
- Pancreatic cancer is more common in black individuals than in white people in the United States.
Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis
The stage of the disease determines the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Because it is generally identified in the late stages, the survival rate decreases as tumor cells spread to other organs. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer has a bad prognosis. Similarly, pancreatic cancer detected early has a favorable prognosis.