Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer happens when malignant cells grow, divide, and spread in the pancreas.
The pancreas is a six inch long, spongy, tube-shaped organ located in the back of the of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It has two major jobs in the body: to make digestive juices (enzymes) that help break down food, and to make hormones- including insulin- that control the body's use of sugars and starches.
People often don't have symptoms in the early stages of this disease. But as the cancer grows and spreads, pain may worsen after you eat or lie down.
Other symptoms may include jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and depression. Because doctors rarely find pancreatic cancer in its early stages when it's easiest to treat- it's one of the most deadly cancers. About 9% of people with pancreatic cancer live at least 5 years after diagnosis. But the the 5- year survival rate is much better- 34%- if it hasn't spread past the the pancreas. Know that survival rates can't predict what will happen to any single person and may not reflect newer types of treatment.
Experts don't know the exact cause of pancreatic cancer . Certain gene mutations can cause it. Other risk factors include smoking, age ( usually people older than 45), diabetes, chronic pancreatitis due to a gender mutation, liver cirrhosis, family history of the condition, gender (more common in men), obesity, certain chemicals, and race. (African Americans have a slightly higher risk than whites).
It can be hard to find this disease early on . A doctor may not see or feel a small tumor during a routine exam, to help make the diagnosis, you may get imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. The green area around shown in this CT scan appears appears to be cancer in the pancreas and liver.
Surgery to remove the tumor can cure the cancer if it hasn't spread past the pancreas. Your surgeon will keep as much of the normal pancreas intact as possible. Other methods like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used.
There are many resources to help you and your loved ones as you manage your pancreatic cancer including these organizations:
* Pancreatic Cancer Action Network helpline : 877-435-8650
*Cancer Care : 800-813- Hope (4673)
Credit: WebMD