What is Pancreatic Cancer?

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic Cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas plays an essential role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down food, and it also produces hormones like insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:

  • 1. Exocrine pancreatic cancer:

    This type begins in the exocrine cells, which produce digestive enzymes. The majority of pancreatic cancers (about 95%) are of this type, and the most common subtype is called adenocarcinoma.

  • 2. Endocrine pancreatic cancer:

    This type begins in the endocrine cells, which are responsible for producing hormones. The most common type of endocrine pancreatic cancer is called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) or islet cell tumors, which can be either benign or malignant.

How Pancreatic Cancer Develops?

  • 1. Pancreatic cancer typically starts when healthy cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Over time, cancerous cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal cavity.
  • 2. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma often spreads quickly to nearby tissues and distant organs, making early detection and treatment difficult.
Pancreatic Cancer

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the stage and location of the cancer:

  • 1. Surgery: If the tumor is localized and accessible, surgery may be performed to remove part or all of the pancreas.
  • 2. Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • 3. Radiation therapy: High-energy rays used to shrink or eliminate tumors.
  • 4. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These newer treatments target specific characteristics of cancer cells or stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

Common symptoms of Pancreatic cancer:

In the early stages, pancreatic cancer may not show noticeable symptoms, which contributes to its late diagnosis. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

  • 1. Abdominal or back pain
  • 2. Nausea or vomiting
  • 3.Loss of appetite
  • 4.Dark urine and pale stools
  • 5. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Risk Factors of Pancreatic cancer:

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer:

  • 1. Age: Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over the age of 65.
  • 2. Family History: A family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic conditions like hereditary pancreatitis, Lynch syndrome, or mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can increase the risk.
  • 3. Diet and lifestyle: Diets high in red meat and processed foods may also contribute to risk.
  • 4. Smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor.
  • 4. Chronic conditions: Chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and obesity are associated with an increased risk.
Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is challenging to treat and has a poor prognosis, primarily because it is often detected at a late stage when it has already spread to other areas of the body. The overall five-year survival rate is approximately 11%, reflecting the difficulty in managing this disease. Early detection significantly improves survival prospects, but only about 20% of cases are identified early enough for surgical intervention.

Despite these obstacles, advancements in research are paving the way for improvements. Efforts to develop better diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and personalized therapies offer hope for better outcomes in the future.