Pancreatic Cancer
What is
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a 6-inch-long gland shaped like a thin pear lying on its side, located deep in the body between the stomach and the spine. It consists of three parts: the head (the wide part), the body (the middle), and the tail (the narrow end).
This vital organ performs two main functions:
It produces digestive juices that help break down food.
It produces hormones, such as insulin, which regulate blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably. Because the pancreas lies deep inside the body, pancreatic cancer often shows no obvious symptoms in its early stages, making early diagnosis challenging. However, with timely pancreatic cancer treatment in Gujarat, India, patients can experience improved outcomes and a better quality of life.
What are the
Types Of Pancreatic Cancer
Exocrine tumors
It start in the cells that make digestive enzymes.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
It start in hormone-producing cells
Exocrine tumors
It start in the cells that make digestive enzymes.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
It start in hormone-producing cells
Pancreatic Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Light Coloured Stools
Nausea or Vomiting
Fatigue or Weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Upper Belly or Back Pain
Digestive problems, nausea, or vomiting
Pancreatic Cancer
Risk Factors
- Smoking and Heavy Alcohol Consumption increases the chance.
- Family history of Pancreatic Cancer
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
- Age Over 50
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosis
Biopsy
A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from the pancreas or surrounding area to check under a microscope for cancer cells. The biopsy can be done during the endoscopic ultrasound
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests create detailed pictures of the inside of your body to help doctors see the pancreas, nearby organs, and any signs of cancer. CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan, Ultrasound are few of the Imaging Tests.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
This is a special test where a thin, flexible tube with a tiny ultrasound probe (called an endoscope) is gently passed through your mouth, down into your stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
Blood Tests
Blood tests don’t directly confirm pancreatic cancer, but they give doctors important clues about how your body is working. More tests are done to confirm the diagnosis and check if cancer is present.
Pancreatic Cancer
Treatments
Pancreatic cancer treatment in Gujarat, India depends on the stage of the disease, overall health, and patient preferences, and usually involves a combination of:
Surgery
Surgery may be done on its own or combined with other treatments to help remove or destroy the cancer cells.
Total Pancreatectomy
It removes the whole pancreas along with nearby organs when cancer has spread.
Distal Pancreatectomy
This surgery removes the middle and tail part of the pancreas, and sometimes the spleen if the cancer has reached there.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses special chemicals to kill cancer cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams, like X-rays, to destroy cancer cells.
Immuotherapy
This uses medicines that specifically attack features or weaknesses in cancer cells.
Targeted Theapy
It focus on specific changes or weaknesses found in cancer cells, aiming to attack only the cancer without harming healthy cells.
Have A Question?
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to leave without a pancreas.
Most pancreatic cancer is diagnosed after age 65
To reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer, prioritize quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, and limiting alcohol consumption.