Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Jump To :

1. Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
2. Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer
3. Things to Consider before selecting a Specialist

The most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, and around 93% of all pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas arising from the exocrine glands of the pancreas. The stages of pancreatic cancer plays a significant role in determining the best course of therapy.

Treatment choices might include one or more of the following: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.

If you don’t know about pancreatic cancer then, click on What is Pancreatic Cancer | Symptoms, Cure, Causes

The likelihood of a complete recovery is greatly enhanced by prompt medical attention.

In light of this, it is advised to see a medical practitioner pancreatic cancer specialist in Mumbai as soon as possible if you observe any strange symptoms, mainly if you are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

One or more of the following tests may be ordered to diagnose – pancreatic cancer:

CT or MRI scans done in a specific sequence are highly sensitive to picking up pancreatic cancer. 

In case of doubt, additional imaging can be suggested. Most of the time it is the endoscopic ultrasound.

This technology combines endoscopy with ultrasound. The endoscope is equipped with ultrasound and it is inserted into the stomach (via mouth like routine endoscopy).

The ultrasound probe at the tip scans the pancreas. Since the probe is so close to the pancreas it can accurately detect small cancers and also obtain samples.

Cancers that are operable do not need a biopsy. A biopsy is necessary when

• Cancer is in advanced stages 
• Chemotherapy or radiation is planned before surgery, to reduce the size of the tumour.

Blood tests to look for the tumour marker CA 19-9, which may be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

A whole-body PET scan is also sometimes advised to look for cancer spread.

Here’s a quick video of Dr. Praveen Kammar explaining, Why prevention is better option rather than treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Options depend on the stage of the disease.

• Operable tumour- surgery
• Borderline operable – Chemotherapy + radiation — then consider surgery
• Localized tumour but not operable : Chemotherapy radiation
• Advanced/stage 4 disease : Chemotherapy

Surgery :

Resection refers to the removal of malignant pancreatic tissue. It is also necessary to remove lymph nodes close to the pancreas.

A pancreatectomy is a medical procedure to eliminate all or parts of the pancreas. Your doctor could advise the Whipple operation if your tumour is in the head of the pancreas, its largest region, and is closest to the small intestine.

The pancreatic head, the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine), the gallbladder, a section of the bile duct, and adjacent lymph nodes are all removed during this surgical procedure.

When the tumour is located in the body or tail of the pancreas a distal pancreatectomy usually along with the removal of the spleen is advised.

Also Read : Is Pancreatic Cancer Curable?

Chemotherapy :

Anticancer medications are used to eradicate cancer cells and aid in halting their further development.

These medications are both injectable and orally consumable. One chemotherapy medication or a mixture of them may be administered to you.

Radiation treatment may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy (chemoradiation). Chemotherapy is sometimes used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour. For advanced stages, chemotherapy becomes the mainstay of the treatment.

Radiation Therapy :

Radiation therapy is a treatment for pancreatic cancer that utilizes high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.

It is a non-invasive approach where beams of radiation are directed precisely at the tumor site or surrounding areas, damaging the DNA of cancer cells and preventing their growth.

This helps to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and potentially improve the patient’s prognosis.

Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the pancreatic cancer.

Clinical Trial

A clinical trial for pancreatic cancer is a research study that evaluates new treatments, therapies, or medications in patients with this type of cancer.

These trials aim to discover better ways to diagnose, treat, and manage pancreatic cancer effectively. Participants in the trial may receive experimental treatments that are not yet available to the general public.

The outcomes of the clinical trial provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of the new approach, potentially leading to advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Participation in clinical trials is voluntary, and patients are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study.

Things to Consider before selecting a Specialist 

The following are points to consider before selecting a specialist:

• Seek Recommendations from Your Physician :

Your primary care physician is an excellent place to begin your search. You will be sent to an expert qualified to deal with your unique situation when you consult with them. Family, friends, and other medical professionals may also be helpful resources.

• Verify the Oncologist’s Qualifications

It makes sense to seek the advice of an expert equipped to provide you with the care you need.

It is crucial that the oncologist maintains current certification, participates in a continuing education program, and is aware of the latest innovations in oncology. The oncologist’s qualifications should reassure patients that they are in good hands.

• Take the Oncologist’s Experience into Account

When dealing with cancer, experience is invaluable. Select a doctor that specializes in treating your specific kind of cancer. The effectiveness of a doctor’s care is directly related to their level of expertise.

• Determine the Reliability of the Hospital

One consideration in selecting an oncologist is the facility’s standing in the field. Survival rates are greater in well-regarded facilities; thus, it’s best to go there.

Ensure the hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach, which means you will have access to the expertise of a wide range of professionals while navigating your cancer treatment. They will work together to find the most effective course of therapy for you.

• Assess the Oncologist’s Quality of Interaction

Find an oncologist you can open up to who understands the importance of keeping you informed.

Ask the oncologist a question at your first consultation to gauge their approach. Is it easy to ask inquiries and get clear responses? The oncologist and the cancer patient benefit greatly by communicating with one another in a clear and forthright manner.

Look for an oncologist who takes the time to get to know you, listens to your concerns about treatment, and acknowledges your right to make your own decisions.

If you looking for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment? Trust Dr. Praveen Kammar, pancreatic cancer surgeon in Mumbai, Schedule your consultation today for personalized care and effective treatment. 

Also Read : What is the Life Expectancy of Someone with Pancreatic Cancer?