Pancreatic Cancer

pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cancer treatment, cancer specialist, chemotherapy
pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cancer treatment, cancer specialist, chemotherapy

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins when gene mutations cause cells in the pancreas to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. It is difficult to detect at an early stage, resulting in a low survival rate, and is also resistant to many common cancer drugs, making it especially tough to treat.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are two main types of pancreatic tumors

Exocrine tumors:

More than 90% of pancreatic tumors are exocrine tumors. Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, which initiates in the cells that line organs.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs):

Less than 10% of pancreatic tumors are NETs. Islet cell carcinoma is also referred to as NET.

How common is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is the 10th leading cancer in men and the 8th most common cancer in women. Globally, it ranks 11th in occurrence and 7th as a cause of death from cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Pancreatic cancer risk factors include
  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and using other forms of tobacco.
  • Obesity (mainly extra weight around the waist)
  • Sudden onset of Diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes.
  • Contact with pesticides and petrochemicals.
  • Chronic pancreatitis (a permanent inflammation in the pancreas).
  • Inherited chronic pancreatitis and syndromes

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms usually appear when the tumor begins to affect nearby organs in the digestive system. These may include:
  • Jaundice (skin yellowing).
  • Dark urine (pee) or pale stool (poop).
  • Abdominal pain in the upper part.
  • Back pain in the middle.
  • Weight loss.
  • New-onset diabetes mellitus within 2 years

Symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer may vary from traditional pancreatic cancer but may include diarrhea and anemia.

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Preventive measures

While pancreatic cancer is difficult to prevent, the following steps may help reduce your risk:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Decrease alcohol consumption.
  • Screening in individuals at a high risk of pancreatic cancer
  • Genetic testing for cancer in case of a family history of pancreatic cancer
  • Eat healthy food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Lower the intake of red meat, sugary drinks, and processed foods.
  • Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals (asbestos, pesticides, and petrochemicals).
  • Keep a healthy weight.

Pancreatic cancer is rarely detected in its early stages, which makes treatment challenging. Therefore, regular screening may aid in prevention, especially for individuals at high risk.

Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Indore

Pancreatic cancer starts in the cells of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and insulin. The most common type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), upper abdominal or back pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, pale stools, dark urine and new-onset diabetes. Early symptoms are often vague.

Consult a specialist if you have jaundice, unexplained weight loss with abdominal or back pain, or a pancreatic mass or cyst on a scan.

Contrast CT or MRI, endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy and the CA 19-9 blood marker are commonly used. These confirm the diagnosis and show whether the tumour can be removed.

These terms describe whether surgery can remove the tumour safely. Resectable tumours go to surgery, borderline ones often get chemotherapy first, and unresectable ones are treated with drug therapy.

Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation in selected cases, targeted therapy for specific mutations, and supportive and palliative care to relieve symptoms.

The Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the bile duct and sometimes part of the stomach. It is done in selected patients with resectable tumours.

Usually yes. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery reduces the chance of recurrence and is a standard part of pancreatic cancer treatment.

Combination regimens such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel are commonly used, chosen according to age, fitness and liver function.

Yes. A bile duct stent relieves jaundice, and pain can be controlled with medicines and nerve blocks. Palliative care improves comfort and quality of life.

Small frequent meals, adequate protein and, if needed, pancreatic enzyme supplements help digestion and weight. A dietitian can adjust the plan during treatment.

Yes. Testing for BRCA and other mutations can open up targeted treatment options and also informs family members about their own risk.

Outcomes are best when the tumour can be removed early. Even in advanced disease, modern chemotherapy and supportive care help control symptoms and extend life.

Call the clinic or use the online appointment form. Bring CT/MRI scans, endoscopy or biopsy reports and blood tests for an efficient first visit.