Understanding Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is shaped like a pear and is approximately six inches long and is located in the abdominal area under the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It plays a large role in the digestive system by producing enzymes, hormones, and other pancreatic juices that help break down the foods we eat. It is known as an endocrine gland because enzymes that are produced by the pancreas are released directly into the bloodstream and also into the small intestine to supplement the digestion of food. It also produces and important hormone, called insulin, that helps to regulate the body's blood sugar level.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the tissues of the pancreas. There are many types of pancreatic cancer but all pancreatic cancer share some parallels. All of these cancers begin with abnormal cell growth that gets out of control. A person's DNA is often mutated by outside carcinogens such pesticides and pollutants. Tobacco is also a major carcinogen concerning all types of cancers. Once these cells have mutated they grow very rapidly. They can also metastasize, meaning that the cells may split from the tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

Because there are three separate parts to the make-up of the pancreas, a person can be afflicted with cancer in any of these three parts: head, body, or tail of the pancreas. About 80% of all pancreatic cancers occur in the head area of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is also classified as either of the endocrine type or the exocrine type. The pancreas has two different types of cells in it, endocrine cells and exocrine cells. Each type plays a different role in the body. The endocrine cells produce insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Exocrine cells produce enzymes to aid in the digestive process. More than 95% of all pancreatic cancers are exocrine type tumors.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is often called the "silent cancer" because signs and symptoms may not show up until it is already in its advanced stages. Following are signs that may be indicative of a problem with the pancreas.

-Abdominal Pain: One of the first signs will often be abdominal pain that radiates to the lower back and is often accompanied by a nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite subsequently resulting in significant weight loss.

-Digestive Problems: These may occur if the cancer is blocking pancreatic juices from emptying into the small intestine. This may cause a change in stools. Color may change to one that is paler, may look greasy and have a tendency to float in the toilet.

-Jaundice: Another major sign of pancreatic cancer is a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. This condition is known as jaundice. Jaundice is a disease that can become quite serious if it is not treated immediately and can also be contagious if one does not practice proper hygiene. This does not mean that pancreatic cancer is also contagious.

-Other Signs & Symptoms: Other signs might include blood clots throughout the body, a change in mood, and depression.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Treated & What is its Prognosis?

When beginning treatment a doctor will review the patient's age, overall health, and medical history. The extent of the pancreatic cancer, the grade and stage of it, and what course the disease is predicted to take will be determined. Options for treatment could include:

-Surgery: Surgery can be performed to cure a patient or to help alleviate symptoms if the cancer has reached a stage where even removal of parts of the pancreas will not cure them.

-Chemotherapy: Medications used in chemotherapy are often targeted to kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy will stop cells from reproducing or spreading and will eventually kill them.

-Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cells that are cancerous or to shrink tumors.

The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is very poor, even when it is detected early, because it tends to spread rapidly and due to the fact that it is not usually a cancer that is caught in its earlier stages. As mentioned earlier, signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not begin to show or affect a person until it is sometimes very advanced and it is commonly known as a leading cause of death among all types of cancers. Often the cancer that started in the pancreas spreads to other parts of the body before it is diagnosed.

Sources

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MedicineNet.com "Pancreatic Cancer (Cancer of the Pancreas)." Source: Government. Web Accessed 09/28/10.

CancerNet.com "Pancreatic Cancer" Editorial Board Review, November 2009. Web Accessed 09/28/10.

Pathology.JUH.Net Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer." June 9, 1010. Web Accessed 09/28/10.