Cancer of the pancreas or pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the pancreas. The pancreas is a fish-like, elongated organ on the side of the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine—near the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is also called pancreatic carcinoma.
Is pancreatic cancer common?
In the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is estimated that about 42,470 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in 2009. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), cancer of the pancreas is ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Functions of the Pancreas
Functions of the pancreas include production of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, and making pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. Insulin and glucagon help normalize blood sugar levels. The pancreatic juices pass through small passageways, called ducts, which join with the common bile duct of the liver. The juices then enter the duodenum.
Most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts where the pancreatic juices pass. When cancer cells from the pancreas travel and cause cancer to other organs, it is called metastatic pancreatic cancer. The spread of cancer to other organs is called metastasis.
Who are at risk for developing pancreatic cancer?
Certain risk factors, which increase the chances of a person to develop the disease, have been discovered by experts. A risk factor is anything or something that increases a person chance of having a disease.
Studies have shown the following risk factors may increase a person’s chance of developing pancreatic cancer:
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages of pancreatic cancer most often do not cause symptoms. This is why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” But as the cancer progresses, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as:
• Pain in the abdomen and back
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Treatment
Because cancer of the pancreas is often found late and cancer has spread quickly, it can be difficult to treat. However, pancreatic cancer may be cured if it is found early, before cancer has spread to other organs.
Several treatment options are available, which a person can discuss with their health care provider. Treatment options for cancer of the pancreas may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Suggested Readings
Sources:
Pancreatic Cancer. National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pancreatic (Accessed on November 2, 2011)
Pancreatic Cancer. National Library of Medicine (NLM). National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pancreaticcancer.html (Accessed on November 2, 2011)
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Is pancreatic cancer common?
In the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is estimated that about 42,470 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in 2009. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), cancer of the pancreas is ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Functions of the Pancreas
Functions of the pancreas include production of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, and making pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. Insulin and glucagon help normalize blood sugar levels. The pancreatic juices pass through small passageways, called ducts, which join with the common bile duct of the liver. The juices then enter the duodenum.
Most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts where the pancreatic juices pass. When cancer cells from the pancreas travel and cause cancer to other organs, it is called metastatic pancreatic cancer. The spread of cancer to other organs is called metastasis.
Who are at risk for developing pancreatic cancer?
Certain risk factors, which increase the chances of a person to develop the disease, have been discovered by experts. A risk factor is anything or something that increases a person chance of having a disease.
Studies have shown the following risk factors may increase a person’s chance of developing pancreatic cancer:
• SmokingAlso, other studies suggest that a diet high in fat and exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace may increase the chance of developing pancreatic cancer.
• Long-term diabetes
• A family history of cancer
• Chronic (long-term) pancreatitis
• Above 60 years of age
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages of pancreatic cancer most often do not cause symptoms. This is why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” But as the cancer progresses, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as:
• Pain in the abdomen and back
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- More on Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Treatment
Because cancer of the pancreas is often found late and cancer has spread quickly, it can be difficult to treat. However, pancreatic cancer may be cured if it is found early, before cancer has spread to other organs.
Several treatment options are available, which a person can discuss with their health care provider. Treatment options for cancer of the pancreas may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Suggested Readings
Sources:
Pancreatic Cancer. National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/pancreatic (Accessed on November 2, 2011)
Pancreatic Cancer. National Library of Medicine (NLM). National Institutes of Health (NIH). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pancreaticcancer.html (Accessed on November 2, 2011)
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