About Pancreatic Cancer

Answer 1

Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreatic tissues, but it generally spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Currently, pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Symptoms often do not appear until it is in an advanced stage and no treatment is possible.

Symptoms

Although symptoms often don't present themselves until the disease is in an advanced stage, knowing what to look for may be a matter of life and death. The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are loss of appetite, losing weight, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pain in the upper abdomen that often radiates toward your back, blood clots and depression. These symptoms are very general and are often the sign of another medical problem or disorder. If you experience any of these symptoms, check with your doctor to address your concerns.

Risk Factors

Certain factors may put you at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, although it can occur in people of all ages, races and genders. Some common risk factors are being over the age of 60, being of African-American descent, having Diabetes, being obese or overweight, suffering from pancreatitis, having a family history of genetic syndromes or pancreatic cancer, and smoking.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor may perform one or more of several tests to determine whether or not you have pancreatic cancer based on your symptoms. These tests can include an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Endoscopic ultrasound or a biopsy. If a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is confirmed, your doctor may use a scope to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the abdomen. Imaging tests may also be used, as well as blood tests, to determine the stage of the cancer. Your doctor will then assign the cancer a stage based on the location and severity of the cancer. Based on the stage of the cancer, the doctor will then determine the treatment best suited for you. Treatments for pancreatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy. More than one treatment may be used in conjunction with others to best treat pancreatic cancer as it pertains to your unique situation.