by Abbas Jahangir · June 15, 2024
Pancreatic cancer is an organ located in the lower back part of the stomach in the abdomen and originates from the pancreatic organ. The pancreas releases enzymes that help the digestive system function in the body and produces hormones that help control blood sugar levels. It is possible to see many forms of growth in the pancreas, including cancerous or benign tumors. The most common type of cancer originating from the pancreas originates from the pancreatic cells that line the channels that collect and transport digestive enzymes from the pancreas. This type of pancreatic cancer is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Although pancreatic cancer gives good results when diagnosed early and early treatment is started, it is very rare to be diagnosed at an early stage. The most important reason for delay in diagnosis is that it does not cause any symptoms until it spreads to other organs. Treatment options for pancreatic cancer vary and are chosen according to the characteristics of the patient, the size, stage and spread of the cancer.
The pancreas is a small, hockey stick-shaped gland located at the back of the stomach. The main functions of the pancreas include helping digest food and regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin and glucagon, the two main hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, are produced by the pancreas and are also important in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer occurs due to uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation caused by structural and genetic changes, that is, mutations, in pancreatic cells. Due to these uncontrolled changes, it is possible to see tissue masses of different sizes. Masses do not always have to be malignant, that is, cancerous, benign masses also develop on the basis of pancreatic cells, and benign tumors are not cancer.
Two types of tumors can occur in the pancreas and are classified as exocrine tumors or neuroendocrine tumors. An average of 93% of pancreatic tumors develop as exocrine tumors, and adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is in this group. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the first type of cancer that comes to mind when pancreatic cancer is mentioned. The most common type of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is ductal adenocarcinoma and originates from the pancreatic ducts. The tumors that make up the remaining 7% of pancreatic tumors are neuroendocrine tumors. These neuroendocrine tumors that develop in the pancreas are called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and are also known as islet cell carcinoma or islet cell tumor. Some neuroendocrine tumors can produce excessive amounts of hormones. The name of the tumor varies depending on the type of hormone made. For example, insulinoma is a tumor arising from cells that secrete high amounts of the hormone insulin. Pancreatic cancers have different classifications according to their location. Tumors located in the head of the pancreas are the most common type of pancreatic cancer. While pancreatic head tumors cause early symptoms due to pressure on adjacent tissues and organs, symptoms may be delayed in tumors located in the body and tail, and this greatly reduces the possibility of early diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is among the 10 most common cancer types in Turkey, and the death rate due to pancreatic cancer is higher compared to more common cancer types. According to United States statistics, pancreatic cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers and 7% of cancer-related deaths. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is slightly higher in men than in women.
Pancreatic cancer may often cause no symptoms. Especially the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are overlooked. Pancreatic cancer is frequently associated with back pain. The symptoms that may appear as the disease progresses can be listed as follows.
If symptoms appear, if existing symptoms become severe, or if you have had diabetes or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in the recent past, further investigation and specialist control for pancreatic cancer is recommended. Symptoms in neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas may differ from typical pancreatic cancer symptoms, such as jaundice, weight loss, and pruritus, and this is because pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors produce excessive amounts of hormones, creating a specific clinic.
The lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer is approximately 1 in 64. Factors that increase the chances of contracting a disease are known as risk factors. In addition to unchangeable risk factors such as genetics and gender, there are also risk factors that can be changed. The main risk factors are as follows.
Risk factors that cannot be changed are listed primarily.
It is very difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer because pancreatic cancer does not cause symptoms in the early stages, and it is not possible to manually examine the pancreas during physical examination due to its anatomical location. If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the healthcare professional may use imaging tests to obtain images of the internal organs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is among the most preferred imaging methods. In endoscopic ultrasound, a thin tube with a camera at the end is sent through the mouth to the stomach. Thanks to the probe at the tip of the endoscope, an image of the pancreas can be obtained from the stomach wall. In some cases, a tissue sample is taken from the pancreas with the help of ultrasound during the procedure and the resulting biopsy sample is sent to the laboratory for investigation. Tumor markers for pancreatic cancer can also be examined through blood tests. Elevated blood levels of carbohydrate antigen CA 19-9, a form of protein produced by pancreatic cells, may raise suspicion of pancreatic disease. Computed tomography , PET imaging and magnetic resonance imaging are also among the auxiliary imaging methods.
Pancreatic cancer can be seen in five different stages. The size, location and spread of the tumor are important in staging.
Treatment options for pancreatic cancer vary. The options can be summarized as follows.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be preferred over surgery, or may be used to reduce tumor size before surgery. Pain control, treatment of jaundice, treatment of itching, regulation of bowel habits and diabetes control are also important points in pancreatic cancer. It is very important to have expert supervision in order to create an individual treatment plan in the most accurate way.
The five-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer has been shown to be 1%. An increase in survival is aimed with developing treatment procedures and advanced technology surgical operations. Pancreatic cancer chemotherapy response may be very good in some patients. In the presence of symptoms that raise suspicion of pancreatic cancer, it is very important to consult a healthcare institution without delay and get expert advice in order not to miss the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment.
Abbas Jahangir
I am a researcher and writer with a background in food and nutritional science. I am the founder of Foodstrend.com, our reputable online platform offering scientifically-backed articles on health, food, nutrition, kitchen tips, recipes, diet, and fitness. With a commitment to providing accurate and reliable information, we strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. Join us on Foodstrend.com's journey toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.
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