What is Pancreatic Cancer?

It secretes the enzyme for the digestion of food. It also produces insulin to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent the risk of diabetes. When tissues of the pancreas grow and multiply abnormally and form tumors, it is known as Pancreatic cancer. Smoking and alcohol consumption are major causes of this cancer. Jaundice, weight loss, and abdomen pain are the major symptoms of pancreatic cancer. It is difficult to diagnose this cancer at a very early stage, which makes it difficult to treat fully. Surgery is a major treatment option prescribed by the doctor. The most common surgical procedure is the removal of the whole pancreas (pancreatectomy) or some affected part of the pancreas. The research is ongoing for its early diagnosis and more treatment options. The survival rates are also low because of the late detection of pancreatic cancer.

Basic facts to be known about Pancreatic Cancer

● Pancreatic cancer is the 12th leading cause of cancer deaths. Globally, it is considered the 11th most common cancer among males and females in 2022.

● It is estimated that Across the world, there were 5,10,992 people diagnosed, and 4,67,409 people died from pancreatic cancer in 2022.

● India reported over 8,712 men and 4,949 women cases of pancreatic cancer.

● In India, around 12,759 deaths were reported in 2022. Out of which 8,136 were men and 4,623 were women.

Signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The different parts of the pancreas deal with different functions, so the symptoms depend on tumor location and size. For instance, the endocrine cells are responsible for producing insulin and glucagon. Tumors in these cells can lead to problems in the digestion of food and controlling blood sugar levels. If there is a tumor in exocrine cells, it may cause problems in digestion. Some of the common major signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

● Jaundice

● Yellow eye, skin, and urine

● Dry and itchy skin

● Foul-smelling, fatty stool

● Constipation

● Early diabetes

● Sudden Weight loss

● Weakness

● Back abdomen pain

● Nausea and vomiting

● Lack of appetite

● Fatigue

● Indigestion

● Blood clots form in the body.

Risk factors causing Pancreatic Cancer

The main cause that led to DNA change in the pancreas is still unknown. However, various risk factors increase the chances of having pancreatic cancer. Some of them are discussed below:

● Smoking and alcohol consumption: By limiting smoking and alcohol consumption, one can prevent the risk of having this cancer.

● Type-2 diabetes: People who are affected with diabetes are prone to this cancer.

● Chronic pancreatitis: Those who are suffering from chronic pancreatitis are at a higher risk of getting this cancer.

● Family history: People who have cancer in their family history or bloodline must go for screening from time to time to avoid the risk.

● Eating high-fat food: Fatty food is hard to digest, so it affects the secretion mechanism of the pancreas. So avoid the consumption of high-fat food.

● IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome): Improper digestion of food leads to this syndrome. The severe stage can lead to pancreatic cancer.

● Radiation exposure: People exposed to direct high-energy rays have a higher risk of getting cancer due to genetic changes.

● Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and petrochemicals: Direct contact with carcinogenic chemicals can increase the chances of having pancreatic cancer.

● Genetic factors and syndrome: Syndromes like Cystic fibrosis, hereditary breast cancer, and Hereditary pancreatitis elevate the chances of getting diagnosed with this disease.

Type of Pancreatic Cancer

There are an estimated 90 types of pancreatic cancer based on tissue or parts of the pancreas they affect. The type of pancreatic cancer depends on the cell it originated from. The major types of pancreatic cancer may include:

● Exocrine pancreatic cancer (adenocarcinoma): Developed in exocrine cells that produce the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and initiates digestion.

● Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer: Develop in cells (Islet cells, endocrine cells) that produce insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels.

● Benign Precancerous Lesions: Cyst formation in layers of the pancreas leads to tumor formation in its severe stage.

Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

The stage of the cancer depends on the symptoms and the rate of metastasis (surface area affected by cancerous cells). There are five most common stages of pancreatic cancer are:

● Stage 0: Very early stage, abnormal cells found in cell linings of the pancreas. Known as carcinoma in situ. Detection is difficult because symptoms are not visible.

● Stage 1: It is the earliest stage. Cancer cells grow in the pancreas only. It can be easily diagnosed and can be removed safely by surgery.

● Stage 2: This stage is the local stage. Cancer begins to spread within liver cells, also outside of the pancreas but not to other organs. Detection of this stage is easy and complete surgical removal is the treatment option for this stage.

● Stage 3: It is a locally advanced stage of liver cancer. In this stage, cancer spreads to the other lymph nodes and associated blood vessels. It can only be curable by surgical removal.

● Stage 4: It is the most advanced stage of liver cancer. The cancer cell becomes metastatic. The cancer spreads to distinct organs such as the gall bladder, linings of the abdomen, liver, and lungs. They can't be removed by surgery completely.

Methods used in the detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Visit an endocrinologist or gastroenterologist if you are going through long-term back pain, chronic jaundice, and early diabetes. It is difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The detection method depends on the symptoms and signs observed. The following tests and procedures to detect pancreatic cancer are listed:

● Physical examination and medical history: The doctor will feel the abdomen for unusual pain or lumps. He may also ask for a history of the patient including alcohol consumption, past illness, and family cancer records.

● Blood test: Bilirubin test is performed to detect proper pancreas functioning.

● Biopsy: In a biopsy, the target tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope to detect cancer growth. Biopsy is consulted when imaging tests are unable to show results.

● CT Scan: A CT scan will use an X-ray to give clear images of nearby areas of the pancreas. It shows clear images after IV injection of contrast medium to find out where the cancer may be spread.

● MRI scan: An MRI scan of the abdomen helps to find out the presence and location of cancer cells in the pancreas. A dye is injected into a vein to create a detailed view of the blood vessels of the pancreas. It shows duct blockage and the presence of cysts in the pancreas.

● Ultrasound scan: Ultrasound scan uses sound waves to detect the size and location of the tumor. This scan provides a scanned view of the growth of cancer cells. They can be endoscopic or trans-abdominal ultrasound.

● Laparoscopy: The doctor will go for Laparoscopy before performing any surgical procedure. This test gives the confirmation of tumor size. This procedure is performed in the operation room. The patient is given anesthesia. A small laparoscopic tube with a camera is inserted into the belly through a small cut. This provides a detailed view of the abdomen and nearby parts where the cancer has spread.

Way to prevent Pancreatic Cancer

There is no such way to prevent pancreatic cancer. But some ways can lower the risks of having this cancer. A change in a few habits in lifestyle and daily routine can prevent the chances of having pancreatic cancer and can inhibit its growth. Some of the precautionary actions are discussed below:

● Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

● Stop eating red meat and processed food.

● Maintain healthy weight

● Make a change in diet (take a high protein diet instead of fatty foods)

● Do Daily exercise and a lot of physical activity.

● Plan for risk reduction surgery in case of family history.

Treatment method for Pancreatic Cancer

Even with the poor survival rate, complete removal of the pancreas is possible in case of early detection. Surgery is a major treatment method. Another treatment method involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted gene therapy.

● Surgery: It is considered the best way to cure pancreatic cancer. Removal of the affected part (Partial pancreatectomy) is quite common in surgical procedures. Removing the complete pancreas (pancreatectomy) is a complex surgery and painful for patients. There can be complications after and during surgery and recovery might take weeks to months.

● Chemotherapy: It is the most comprehensive method of treatment that improves the quality of life and overall increases the chances of survival rate of patients. The drug can be given through IV (Intravenous), or orally and travel throughout the body to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is done at proper intervals to cure this cancer so that cancer cells can die and normal cells can get time to recover from the drug damage. Abrabound ( Paclitaxel 100mg ) is a drug used as chemotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer. It is available at Magicine Pharma at a cost-effective price.

● Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses external high-energy rays including X-rays, gamma rays, and heavy metals to destroy the cancer cells. It kills the cancer cells that can't be removed via surgery. Radiation therapy may also help to slow down the growth of cancer and control symptoms. It harms the tumor's ability to grow back. This therapy is used in most advanced-stage pancreatic cancer patients.

● Targeted gene therapy: It is the most successful treatment option for treating pancreatic cancer. Targeted therapy is a type of treatment for specific cancer cells. Drugs are injected into the vein of the patient targeting to kill the cancer cells.

FAQs

1. How much can I live with pancreatic cancer?

The survival rate after diagnosis of pancreatic cancer depends on the stage it is detected. The average life span after diagnosis if caught before tumor spreads, is approximately four years.

2. Is pancreatic cancer curable?

Pancreatic cancer is curable if diagnosed early. Surgery is the only treatment to deal with pancreatic cancer. In the case of advanced pancreatic cancer, there is a need to limit cancer and minimize the symptoms.

3. Can I live without a pancreas?

Yes, you can live without a pancreas. You just have to make some changes in lifestyle and diet. Doctors prescribe enzyme pills to take you before every meal, to help you to digest food. Also, you'll have to take an insulin shot before any meal to control your blood sugar level in the body.

4. Is pancreas surgery a major surgery?

Yes, the process of removal of the pancreas is considered a major surgery. It is usually done to remove some part of the pancreas (Partial pancreatectomy) or whole pancreas (pancreatectomy).

5. What food products can heal the pancreas?

It is advised to avoid carbohydrates, sugar, and fats if you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. You should have high protein intake and food including fish, meat, low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts, and soy foods.

References
https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/pancreatic-cancer-statistics/
https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/pancreas.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic

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