Pancreatic Cancer

Who is at risk of developing pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is associated with several risk factors, including:

• More common in males than females
• Frequently occurs in individuals over 40 years old
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Chronic pancreatitis from various causes
• Obesity
• High-fat diet

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

• Abdominal pain below the sternum that radiates to the back
• Bloating, fullness, indigestion
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Palpable mass in the abdomen
• Enlarged liver or gallbladder
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, itching
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Abnormally high or low blood sugar levels

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

In addition to medical history and physical examination, the following diagnostic methods are used to confirm pancreatic cancer:

• CT Scan and MRI to identify the tumor’s location, size, and spread to other organs
• Endoscopic ultrasound to examine the pancreas and detect bile duct obstruction
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to assess the bile and pancreatic ducts
• Blood tests and pathological biopsy for definitive diagnosis

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Surgery is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer. The most common procedure is Whipple’s operation, which involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine (duodenum), the stomach, the gallbladder, and surrounding lymph nodes. In cases where the cancer is advanced and inoperable, alternative treatments include:

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Bypass surgery to relieve bile or digestive tract obstruction