What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a malignant tumor that develops in the pancreas, which is an organ that lies behind the lower part of the stomach and manufactures enzymes that support food digestion in addition to producing hormones which help regulate blood sugar. This disease is serious and often deadly, as it commonly spreads to other parts of the body.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the pancreatic ducts which carry the digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
The most common causes of pancreatic cancer can include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Other genetic factors
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not be present in early stages. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Digestive problems
- Blood clots
Other signs may include light-colored or floating stools, dark colored urine, itching, a new diagnosis of diabetes or existing diabetes that’s getting difficult to control, pain and swelling in an arm or leg, which could be the result of a blood clot, and weakness or extreme fatigue.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves imaging tests, along with blood tests and soft tissue biopsies. Staging tests may also be performed to determine the extent of the cancer. It’s important to note that pancreatic cancer is rarely found it early stages of the disease, which is when the chance of curing it is the greatest due to the initial lack of symptoms.
Treatment options of pancreatic cancer will depend on the stage of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy.
It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you may have pancreatic cysts, lesions, or cancer.