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.

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What are the

Types Of Pancreatic Cancer

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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

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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:

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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.

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