Pancreatic Cancser

A diagnosis of cancer in its late stages and the inability to provide a cure condemns many people to unnecessary suffering and premature death.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Saad Al-Ashry

What is pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a tumor that affects the pancreas. This tumor can spread very quickly. It's worth noting that the pancreas is a small gland located between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in food digestion and hormones that help control blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas. Unfortunately, the probability of recovery from this disease is very low, as it is often detected at a late stage. Even if it is detected early, which is rare, the probability of recovery is also low, as it spreads very quickly, and symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has reached a relatively advanced stage.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is divided into two types:

1- Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, as it begins in the outer cells of the pancreas responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion.

2- Neuroendocrine Cancers of the Pancreas

This type is rare, as it begins in the cells of the glands. The endocrine glands are responsible for secreting other pancreatic hormones, which play a role in controlling mood and metabolism.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors have not been able to determine the causes of pancreatic tumors, but there are some factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the tumor, the most important of which include the following:

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms of pancreatic tumors may be unknown in the early stages, and they may appear in advanced stages of the disease. However, in general, the most common symptoms of this disease include:

1- Abdominal Pain

A person with pancreatic tumors may feel pain in the upper abdomen or back. This pain may be intermittent or constant, and may worsen after eating.

2- Loss of Appetite

A person with pancreatic tumors may lose their appetite and feel full quickly while eating.

3- Unexplained Weight Loss

Due to the patient's lack of desire to eat or feeling full quickly, weight loss may be observed.

4- Digestive Disorders

A person with pancreatic tumors may experience digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, belching, bloating, and other symptoms.

5- Changes in Blood Sugar

In some cases, a pancreatic tumor may cause disturbances in blood sugar levels, leading to increased thirst, hunger, and frequent urination.

6- Fatigue and General Weakness

The affected person may feel exhausted and generally weak.

7- Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur as a result of blockage of the bile ducts due to a tumor.

Complications of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic tumors can cause a number of complications, the most important of which include the following:

How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed

As we mentioned, pancreatic tumors are difficult to detect early, making them difficult to diagnose early because they are not visible to doctors. Sometimes, tumors are difficult to see on conventional imaging tests. However, if a tumor is suspected, the specialist usually recommends some tests, including the following:

Ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to examine and diagnose diseases of the liver, bile duct, and pancreas.
Endoscopic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy
A sample is taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope to detect any tumors. This is done either through endoscopy or a needle inserted through the skin.

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are the type of cancer, its size, the stage at which it is detected, the patient's age, and their general health. In general, the most important treatment options include the following:

Surgical Intervention

For pancreatic cancer, there are several surgical interventions, such as

Surgery for a cancerous tumor in the head of the pancreas

The specialist resorts to this type of surgery if the cancerous tumor is located in the head of the pancreas. It should be noted that this procedure is a serious one and requires extreme precision.

Surgery for a cancerous tumor in the body and tail of the pancreas

This type of surgery requires the removal of the spleen. This procedure is used when the tumor is located in the body and tail of the pancreas.

Total Pancreatectomy

In some cases, the doctor may remove the entire pancreas and allow the patient to live without it by taking...

Chemotherapy

The specialist doctor resorts to chemotherapy to eliminate cancer cells and alleviate symptoms.

Radiation Therapy

The specialist doctor may resort to radiation therapy with chemotherapy, depending on the development of the case and if surgical intervention is difficult. It is worth noting that radiation therapy involves directing high-energy beams at cancer cells to kill them. We note that radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is newer than chemotherapy, as it helps prevent the growth of cancer cells by administering drugs that inhibit them and target the substances they need for growth.

Immunotherapy

This type of treatment works by helping the body's immune system recognize cancer cells. And eliminate them by taking certain medications prescribed by a specialist doctor.

Methods for preventing pancreatic cancer

There are some tips that can be followed in this regard to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic tumors, the most important of which include the following:

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