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The pancreas is a fish-shaped organ located behind the stomach in the abdomen. Its primary role is to produce enzymes that help digestion. The pancreas also produces insulin and glucagon– two hormones that control blood sugar levels. When changes occur in the cells of the pancreas, they begin to grow and multiple uncontrollably, resulting in pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer treatment options depend upon its type and where cancer originates. This cancer can develop in exocrine and neuroendocrine cells. Exocrine pancreatic cancers are the most common type called adenocarcinoma, accounting for over 90% of the cases. Thankfully, not all pancreatic growths are cancerous. Some are benign but, if left untreated, can turn cancerous.
Many risk factors have been associated with pancreatic cancer. While some like age, gender, family history and medical conditions cannot be changed, factors like obesity and smoking can be modified to reduce your risk of developing the disease. However, not everyone at risk of developing this condition will get it. Pancreatic cancer life expectancy depends upon many factors, including stage and spread at the time of diagnosis.
In the early stages, pancreatic cancer does not cause any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, common symptoms may include:
Some people may also experience pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) and sudden onset of diabetes. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your doctor for further evaluation.
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer, especially in its early stages, can be difficult as the pancreas is deeply seated in the abdomen and a physical examination is impossible. If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, they will prescribe a few tests:
Treatment options vary based on the stage of your cancer, with early-stage cancer being localised and easier to treat, while treatment for advanced stage 3 and stage 4 pancreatic cancer depends upon the spread of cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is usually treated by a multidisciplinary team comprising a medical oncologist, gastroenterologist, surgical and radiation oncologists. After evaluating your symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results, your experienced healthcare team will decide how to treat pancreatic cancer in your body.
The pancreatic cancer treatment options suggested to you will depend upon several factors such as:
Standard treatment options for pancreatic cancer include:
Other treatments that may be combined with those mentioned above include targeted therapy, immunotherapy and participation in clinical trials.
Whenever we wish to make a big purchase, we often do our research and seek a few opinions from our friends and family, don’t we? Doing so makes us feel empowered and assists us in making the best choice. Similarly, taking a second opinion is a routine part of cancer care as it gives us different perspectives on our diagnosis, pancreatic cancer treatment options, and prognosis.
It is natural to feel apprehensive when seeking a second opinion for your pancreatic cancer, but it only makes you more confident about your condition and the way forward. Feel free to ask your doctor for a second opinion anytime during your cancer journey.
Need to speak with an expert about your pancreatic cancer or seek a second opinion? Reach out to us today!
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer, especially in its early stages, can be difficult as the pancreas is deeply seated in the abdomen and a physical examination is impossible. If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, they will prescribe a few tests:
Treatment options vary based on the stage of your cancer, with early-stage cancer being localised and easier to treat, while treatment for advanced stage 3 and stage 4 pancreatic cancer depends upon the spread of cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is usually treated by a multidisciplinary team comprising a medical oncologist, gastroenterologist, surgical and radiation oncologists. After evaluating your symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results, your experienced healthcare team will decide how to treat pancreatic cancer in your body.
The pancreatic cancer treatment options suggested to you will depend upon several factors such as:
Standard treatment options for pancreatic cancer include:
Other treatments that may be combined with those mentioned above include targeted therapy, immunotherapy and participation in clinical trials.