The pancreas is a gland, which is located in the back of the abdomen, lying almost on the spine. It produces Insulin, the hormone that controls the blood sugar, as well as many enzymes that are needed for digestion of food.
Cancer of pancreas is now the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in United States. The 5-year relative survival rate of patients with this cancer is only 3 to 5%. Roughly 28,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. This type of cancer is found most frequently in men and African-Americans. The average age at the time of diagnosis being 65 years. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages when cure is not possible.
CAUSES OF PANCREATIC CANCER
The actual cause of pancreas cancer is unknown. However, some environmental factors, especially cigarette smoking, play a role in the development of this cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Cancer of the pancreas can grow for a long time without causing any problems. Most patients are diagnosed in advanced stages and present with any of the following signs:
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting
• Jaundice, as a result of obstruction of bile ducts
• Anemia
• Back pain due to invasion of nerves
TREATMENT
The optimal treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma depends on the extent of the disease. The extent of cancer can be divided into the following 3 categories:
• Localized: The cancer is completely confined within the pancreas.
• Locally advanced: The cancer has extended from the pancreas to involve nearby blood vessels or organs.
• Metastatic: The cancer has spread outside the pancreas to other parts of the body.
PREVENTION
No known preventative measure exists for pancreatic cancer; however, minimizing certain risk factors is important. Risk factors that can be controlled include limiting smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
