Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which pancreatic cells grow out of control and begin to multiply abnormally. 

It is the second most common type of cancer among digestive system cancers. In Turkey, pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cancer in men and the 8th most common cancer in women. Approximately 7,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year. It is among the top 10 most common cancer types in the world. An average of 450,000 people die each year due to pancreatic cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually occur in the late stages. Therefore, early diagnosis is very difficult. The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloody or dark stools
• Itching
• Jaundice

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Pancreatic cancer is a disease caused by abnormal proliferation and uncontrolled growth of pancreatic cells. Since early diagnosis is very difficult and treatment can be challenging, it is of great importance to know the risk factors and take the necessary precautions. Among the risk factors, the following topics come to the fore:

• Age (over 65 years)
• Smoking
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Some rare genetic syndromes

How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed with various tests and examinations. The most accurate method for diagnosis is tissue biopsy. Since early diagnosis is quite difficult, doctors also consider the patient's symptoms, risk factors, and medical history. The CA 19-9 test is the most commonly used tumor marker test for pancreatic cancer. However, it is not enough to make a diagnosis alone, as the CA 19-9 level may also be elevated in some other health problems. On the other hand, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes such as lipase and amylase, and blood glucose levels can also be evaluated.

Ultrasonography is a method of visualizing the abdomen with sound waves. It shows whether there are any masses or abnormalities in the pancreas and other organs. It is also possible to obtain detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues with X-rays. In addition, MRI, ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), and EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) are among the methods used to diagnose this disease.

Pancreatic Cancer Stages

Pancreatic cancer is divided into 4 stages according to how far the cancerous cells have spread in the pancreas and surrounding tissues:

Phase 0: The cancer is confined to the uppermost layers of the pancreatic duct and cannot be detected by the naked eye or imaging methods.

 Phase 1:

Stage 1A: The tumor is smaller than 2 cm and confined to the pancreas.

Stage 1B: The tumor is between 2 cm and 4 cm and is confined to the pancreas.

 Phase 2:

Stage 2A: The tumor is larger than 4 cm and confined to the pancreas.

Stage 2B: The tumor has grown outside the pancreas or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

 Phase 3:

Stage 3A: The tumor has spread to the pancreas and surrounding tissues (such as the peritoneum, nerves, and vessels).

Stage 3B: The cancer has spread to the pancreas surrounding tissues and regional lymph nodes.

Phase 4: The cancer has spread to the pancreas and surrounding tissues, regional lymph nodes, and distant organs (such as the liver, lungs, and bones). Staging plays an important role in planning treatment and determining the patient's prognosis (life expectancy).

What is The Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer?

The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the general health status of the patient, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, which may limit treatment options. Surgery is a common treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially if the tumor is localized and has not spread beyond the pancreas. Surgical options may include the removal of part of the pancreas (pancreatectomy), the entire pancreas, or surrounding tissues. However, not all pancreatic cancers are suitable for surgery.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is usually used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or eliminate any remaining cancer cells. In cases where surgery is not an option, chemotherapy can be used as a primary treatment to control the spread of the disease and relieve symptoms.

Radiation therapy also uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is often used to help control symptoms and improve quality of life, especially when the cancer cannot be eliminated.

Alternative Methods in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

There are other approaches to pancreatic cancer treatment besides surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target and interfere with the processes that promote cancer growth. These drugs can be used in combination with chemotherapy or as an alternative for some patients. 

Immunotherapy, on the other hand, is another alternative treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While there is not yet a standard treatment for all pancreatic cancers, ongoing research is exploring the potential of immunotherapy to improve outcomes for certain patients.

In addition, regardless of the stage of pancreatic cancer, palliative care plays a crucial role in managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional support for patients and their families. It focuses on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment. Contact Medwide for detailed information about the procedure.