Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer is a special type of disease characterized by abnormal cells that don't follow the normal checks and balances system prevailing in the body to control the growth of the new cells in the body. These abnormal cells once formed continue multiplying and cause interference with the normal functioning of the gland.

When cancer cells of the tumor grow and invade other organs destroying healthy tissues, it is said that metastasis has begun resulting a serious stage that is difficult to treat. Depending on the area where the cancer cells affect either exocrine or endocrine, classification of pancreatic cancer is made as under:

Cancer affecting exocrine pancreatic functions is, Adenocarcinomas, it is typically found in the gland cells of the duct of the pancreas.
Cancer affecting endocrine pancreatic functions is, Neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors, it affects the endocrine function of the pancreas.

What are the causes of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer forms when abnormal cells in your pancreas develop mutations in their DNA. These mutation result cells to spread uncontrollably and to continue invading normal cells would die. Accumulation of these cells can form a tumor which spreads to other organs and blood vessels.

What are the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer very often do not manifest until it reaches the advanced stage. That is why pancreatic cancer is called “silent” disease. However, when cancer develops, symptoms may include the following:

Pain in the upper abdomen generates from the tumor invades the nerves
Change of colour of skin and eye to yellow and urine colour also turns to yellow called jaundice can happen when cancer blocks the flow of bile
Loss of appetite, vomiting, and nausea with significant weight loss and weakness persist for a long period
New onset diabetes is also a harbinger of pancreatic cancer

What are treatments for Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer treatment depends on the stage of cancer, health status, age and also on the diagnosis. If cancer is not metastasized, surgery is best option to cure. If cancer is detected at the early stage, a patient can be cured completely in many instances. Different type of surgery such as Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, total pancreatectomy are used to treat cancers in various parts of the pancreas. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are useful as additional therapies after surgery to prevent recurrence of tumour.

FAQs

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form tumors. These tumors can interfere with digestion and blood sugar regulation. The two main types are exocrine tumors (like adenocarcinomas, which start in the ducts) and endocrine tumors (neuroendocrine tumors).

Pancreatic cancer develops due to changes (mutations) in the DNA of pancreatic cells, leading to uncontrolled growth. Over time, these cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, making advanced stages more difficult to treat.

Symptoms often appear in the later stages and may include upper abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, unexplained weight loss, weakness and sometimes new-onset diabetes. Because early symptoms are subtle, it is often called a “silent” disease.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. In early stages, surgery is the main option, including procedures like the Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Dr. Parthasarathy is an experienced gastrosurgeon in Hyderabad who performs complex pancreatic cancer surgeries, including the Whipple procedure and pancreatectomy. Treatment is personalized based on the cancer stage and the patient’s overall health.