Pancreatic cancer begins when changes begin to occur in the tissues of your pancreas leading them to multiply uncontrollably. Early pancreatic cancers usually do not show any signs or symptoms. However, when symptoms arise, cancer has often grown very large or already spread outside the pancreas. With the right care and early detection, pancreatic cancers can be cured with surgery and other procedures at the best cancer hospital in Goa.
Let’s delve deeper into understanding more about pancreatic cancer.
What is the pancreas and what is its major function?
The pancreas is a small, hockey stick-shaped gland that is located behind the stomach. The primary function of the pancreas is to assist in the digestion of food and also to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. The pancreas makes insulin and glucagon, which are two essential hormones that control blood sugar levels in your body.
Pancreatic cancer begins when the cells in the pancreas begin to change and mutate which results in a mass of tissue. This mass then begins to spread to the other organs of the body.
Types of pancreatic cancer
There are primarily two types of pancreatic cancers. Cancers that begin in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas are called pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic exocrine cancer. These cancers are more frequent in occurrence.
The less frequently occurring cancer begins in the hormone-producing cells or the neuroendocrine cells of the pancreas. These are called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, islet cell tumors, or pancreatic endocrine cancer.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer begin showing up as cancer progresses which is why early detection of pancreatic cancer is not always possible. Always bear in mind that symptoms may vary from person to person. Be watchful of the following:
Weight loss: Significant weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer is a common symptom. This usually occurs as cancer consumes the body’s energy. Additionally, other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or a tumor pressing on the stomach may make it difficult for a patient to eat. The body may also find it difficult to process nutrients from food because the pancreas isn’t producing enough digestive juices.
Jaundice: Jaundice is the yellowing of the eyes and skin which most people with pancreatic cancer experience as one of their first symptoms. Other signs to watch out for include dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools, and itchy skin. Jaundice is caused as a result of the buildup of bilirubin, which is a dark yellow-brown substance made in the liver.
Pain: A person may experience pain in the abdomen if there exists a growing tumor that presses against the nerves of the abdomen. Cancer may also spread to the nerves around the pancreas, which often causes back pain.
Bowel obstruction: The growth of pancreatic cancer may press against the first part of the small intestine which then blocks the flow of digested food from the stomach to the intestine. This can cause bloating accompanied by pain.
Blood clots: A blood clot in a large vein of the body, often in the leg could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. This is termed deep vein thrombosis which includes symptoms such as swelling, pain, and redness in the affected part.
Diabetes: In some cases, people with pancreatic cancer develop diabetes since pancreatic cancers destroy the insulin-making cells. Other associated symptoms to watch out for include thirst, hunger, and frequent urination.
Risk factors and prevention of pancreatic cancer
Certain habits or factors increase the risk of getting pancreatic cancer which if avoided minimizes the risk.
Smoking – Avoid the use of cigars, cigarettes, and tobacco in any other form.
Obesity – Being overweight or having a lot of fat around the waist is a risk for pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes – Having diabetes especially Type 2 diabetes is a risk for pancreatic cancer
You can prevent pancreatic cancer by stopping smoking or trying to stop by learning strategies to reduce smoking by joining support groups. Make sure to maintain healthy body weight by exercising and eating a healthy diet. Avoid junk foods or other highly processed foods that tend to make you gain weight.
How to diagnose pancreatic cancer?
It is very difficult to detect pancreatic cancers during the early stages. If during a routine medical examination, your healthcare providers suspect pancreatic cancer they will recommend getting tested at a reputed cancer hospital in Goa. They may ask for imaging tests to take pictures of the internal organs. Endoscopic ultrasound can also be done to diagnose pancreatic cancer. If detected with pancreatic cancer one must immediately get treated to experience the best healthcare possibilities at the hands of a cancer specialist in Goa. Make sure that you talk with your healthcare provider about your situation. Understanding your pancreatic cancer prognosis can be vital to getting the right treatment.
Treatment options
Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on several factors, including where the tumor is located, at what stage it is in, your health parameters, and the spread of it beyond the pancreas. Surgical removals, radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy are some of the ways pancreatic cancer can be treated. The best possible decision you can take in favor of healing pancreatic cancer is to visit a cancer hospital to avail of the right cancer treatment in Goa.
Here’s a set of questions that you can ask your doctor during your next visit:
- What stage is cancer at?
- What are the recommended treatment options?
- Are there any major side effects that might develop as a result of treatment?
- Will I be able to continue working and do my routine tasks each day?
- What symptoms or situations need me to call you immediately or get emergency care?
- What are some of the ways for me to stay as healthy as I can?
Always make sure that you are following the plan that you and your provider have agreed upon. Do not self-medicate and keep to the schedule of follow-up appointments and regular testing.