Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer or malignant growth that affects the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that produces enzymes and aids in digestion. This organ sits behind the lower part of your stomach.Here the most common form of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
This type of cancer occurs in the cells that line the ducts responsible for carrying digestive enzymes out of your pancreas. It is rarely detected early when there is the highest chance of curing it. You might seek medical care from the top cancer specialist in Siliguri, North Bengal.
This cancer often does not cause symptoms until it advances and spreads to other organs. Doctors know that pancreatic cancer happens when cells in your pancreas mutate or change and multiply uncontrollably, which leads to tumor growth.
Your healthcare team rules out how far the cancer has spread to ensure an effective treatment plan for you. Treatment options to heal and manage pancreatic cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, etc.
Early-stage pancreatic tumors are hard to detect on imaging tests. Therefore, many people don’t receive a diagnosis until the cancer spreads (metastasized). Pancreatic cancer is mostly difficult to treat because it does not respond well to most standard cancer medications. The good news is research on new imaging tests and genetic testing for early detection is developing.
The type of pancreatic cancer to know
There are two major forms of cancerous pancreatic tumors:
Exocrine tumours.
These account for more than 90% of all pancreatic tumours. The most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops in the cells that line your organs.
Neuroendocrine tumours.
These account for less than 10% of all pancreatic tumours.
Pancreatic cancer: Signs and symptoms
Pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms until it is late. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include the following:
- Abdominal ache that radiates to the sides or back
- Itching
- A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Newly diagnosed diabetes
- Existing diabetes is becoming more difficult to manage
- Weight loss
- Light-colored stools
- Floating stools
- Urine in a dark colour
- Pain and swelling in an arm or leg
If you notice any such symptoms, consult your healthcare provider, such as a general physician, and get medical supervision. Without diagnosis through tests, it’s not possible to confirm the disease. Book a medical appointment with the most trusted cancer specialist in Siliguri.
Risk factors:
Smoking, older age (over 65), chronic inflammation of the pancreas, family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcohol drinking, family history of DNA changes, etc. Visit one of the top oncologists in Siliguri, West Bengal.
Why is early detection of pancreatic cancer important?
Patients who receive early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer have better outcomes. Surgery is an effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer. However, most patients are detected at a later stage and are unable to have surgery.
Awareness of symptoms and improvement in imaging tests are two major things that help diagnose, monitor, and treat the disease. Genetic testing is to find inherited mutations. Make sure if you believe you may be at risk for pancreatic cancer, inform your doctor. They can help you undergo tests that are best for you.
