Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach and in front of the spine, responsible for producing digestive juices and hormones that regulate blood sugar. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for pancreatic cancer.

The Role of the Pancreas

The pancreas has two main types of cells: exocrine cells and endocrine cells. Exocrine cells produce digestive juices that help break down food in the intestines, while endocrine cells produce hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar levels. Most pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

• Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Depression

• New onset diabetes

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer

Several factors may increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, such as:

• Smoking

• Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Inherited conditions (including hereditary pancreatitis)

• Familial pancreatic cancer syndromes

• Long-standing diabetes

• Obesity

Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

To diagnose pancreatic cancer, your doctor may perform a physical exam and take your health history. They may also order various tests, such as:

• CT scan (computed tomography)

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs)

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts)

• Biopsy (removal of tissue to view it under a microscope)

• Blood tests (Ca 19-9)Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery may be used to remove a tumor or to treat symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer, while radiation therapy uses X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are emerging and in trial. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your individual case.

For information about clinical trials for pancreatic cancer, visit NIH Clinical Research Trials.

Pancreatic Cancer Outlook

According to the American Cancer Society, the outlook for pancreatic cancer is often challenging. About 23% of patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer survive one year after diagnosis, and only 8.2% are still alive five years after being diagnosed. However, early detection and advancements in treatment options continue to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

If you experience any symptoms of pancreatic cancer or have concerns about your risk factors, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment. For more information on pancreatic cancer, visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the National Cancer Institute.