Exploring Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options

Answer 1

Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer which targets the cells of the pancreas, the organ responsible for the production of digestive enzymes and insulin. Because of the high mortality rate associated with pancreatic cancer, treatment must be swift and aggressive. It is important for anyone who has been diagnosed to carefully explore the treatment options which are available. Most times a doctor will use more than one in order to reap the maximum treatment benefits.

Surgery

When caught in the earlier stages of the disease, the first line of defense when treating pancreatic cancer is surgical removal of the tumor and partial removal of the pancreas. Usually other treatments will be done after the removal of the malignant tissue. Unfortunately, if diagnosis is not made until it has reached an advanced stage, the tumor is often inoperable. In this case, other treatment options must be explored as an alternate to surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of either oral or intravenous medications to target and kill the malignant cells in the pancreas. With many drugs available, a physician will choose either one or a combination of several which could prove most beneficial to the patient. Many times, chemotherapy is used in conjunction with radiation treatments.

Radiation Treatments

Radiation therapy uses high density rays to target and destroy the cancer cells within the pancreas. This form of treatment is often used after surgery and in combination with chemotherapy treatments. Radiation is also beneficial in the management of pain, since it reduces the size of the tumor, helping to relieve the pressure caused by it.

Clinical Trials

Especially for those in the advanced stages of pancreatic cancer, clinical trials might be an option worth considering. These trials test new treatments which are not yet approved for widespread use. The drawbacks to this route are the risk of side effects, as well as no guarantee for cure. It is usually reserved for patients for whom other options have not had a favorable result.

Although pancreatic cancer is an aggressive, deadly disease, there are a wide variety of treatment options which are available to those who are diagnosed with it. Exploring the options and discussing them with a physician can help to ensure an individual receives the treatment best suited to him or her.