What is Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer strikes a small gland in the abdomen called the pancreas. Symptoms often don't appear until the cancer has advanced, making treatment difficult. Surgeons can sometimes remove early stage pancreatic cancer and cure the disease. But the large majority of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed after they have spread. Chemotherapy and radiation are the primary treatments at that point. Treatments have extended the survival time for pancreatic cancer, but it's rarely curable.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer are-

Pain or discomfort,Weight loss (unintentional),Yellow eyes,Nausea or vomiting,Yellow skin

Treatment

Surgery is the first choice for treating pancreatic cancer. However, for many patients, surgery is not possible because of where the tumor is located or because it has spread beyond the pancreas. If surgery is not an option, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy (drugs that kill cancer cells) or radiation therapy. Even if you are a candidate for surgery, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. 

Your doctor also can offer treatments to ease the consequences of pancreatic surgery, which include pain, digestion problems, and weight loss. Some patients develop blockages in the tubes that transport bile in the body. In that case, surgery can be performed to place a tiny metal stent in place to open up the tube. Because most cases of pancreatic cancer can't be cured, many doctors recommend participating in clinical trials that test new and promising treatments.

Self Care

Pancreatic cancer is a tough disease to battle. Joining a support group can help offer emotional support during this difficult time. It's important to stay positive and try to remain as healthy as possible.

When to See Your Doctor

Make an appointment the see your doctor if you have dark urine, pale stools, yellow skin and eyes, or other symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosed By

Your doctor will feel your abdomen for signs of any abnormalities, including buildup of fluid. Your doctor also will look for signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. To look for indications of tumors in your pancreas, your doctor also will do tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, PET scan, ultrasound, biopsy, and an endoscopy, or ERCP, in which a flexible tube is passed down your throat and through your stomach to the pancreas. Along with diagnosing cancer, your doctor will determine what stage of cancer you have. This information helps determine the best treatment.