Pancreas Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that develops when abnormal cells in the pancreatic tissue grow uncontrollably and develop into cancerous tumors. The pancreas is a vital organ located in the digestive system that produces insulin and other hormones. This type of cancer is often diagnosed late, making it difficult to treat. Pancreatic cancer most often occurs in the head of the pancreas (where cancer cells most often develop), but it can develop in any part of the pancreas.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer:
Ductal Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of pancreatic cancer and develops in the tubular ducts of the pancreas. It accounts for approximately 90% of all pancreatic cancers.
Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer (Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors): This rare type originates from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. It usually grows more slowly and requires different treatment requirements.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Therefore, patients may not notice it until it reaches advanced stages. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
Abdominal pain: Pain, especially in the upper abdomen and often radiating to the lower back.
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Rapid weight loss with no known cause and an increased reluctance to eat may occur.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes occurs due to a blockage in the bile ducts. Bile flow may be blocked by a tumor pressing on the bile ducts.
Digestive problems: Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and undigested fatty stools (steatorrhea) may occur.
High blood sugar: Diabetes can develop when the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin is impaired.
Depression and fatigue: As the cancer progresses, general weakness, fatigue, and depression may occur.
Risk Factors:
-Age: Pancreatic cancer is more common in individuals aged 60 and over.
Smoking: Smoking is the most significant factor that increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
-Family history: Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with a family history of the disease.
-Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
-Diabetes: Long-term diabetes can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
-Obesity: Excess weight and unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that usually becomes apparent in advanced stages. The following tests and imaging methods are used for diagnosis:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Used to assess the cancer’s spread and tumor size.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Produces detailed images of the pancreas to monitor the spread of cancer to surrounding organs.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): This technique is used to view organs near the pancreas in greater detail. An endoscope uses sound waves to generate images of the pancreas. Biopsy: A tissue sample taken from the suspected cancerous area is examined under a microscope.
PET Scan: This is used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Blood Tests: Certain biomarkers indicating the presence of cancer (for example, CA 19-9) may be elevated.
Treatment Methods:
Treatment for pancreatic cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the patient’s general health. The main treatment methods are:
Surgical Intervention (Whipple Surgery): If pancreatic cancer is detected in the early stages, the tumor-containing area of the pancreas can be surgically removed. The Whipple surgery involves removing the head of the pancreas and some of the nearby organs (stomach, gallbladder).
Chemotherapy: This is a drug treatment used to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. It is used after surgery to prevent the spread of cancer.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment kills cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams. It is especially used for patients who are not suitable for surgery. Targeted Therapy: To treat pancreatic cancer, drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells are used. This treatment targets cancer cells and tries to avoid harming healthy cells.
Immunotherapy: This treatment method stimulates the immune system to fight cancer by enabling cancer cells to be recognized. While not yet widely used for all pancreatic cancer patients, research is ongoing.
Conclusion:
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that is often diagnosed late and difficult to treat because it often lacks symptoms in the early stages. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods can prolong life. Healthy lifestyle habits and regular checkups can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. If pancreatic cancer is suspected, consult a doctor to learn about early diagnosis and treatment options.
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