What is Pancreatic Cancer | Symptoms, Cure, Causes

Jump To :

1. Symptoms 
2. When to See Doctor
3. Is Pancreatic Cancer Curable?
4. Causes 

Cancer that develops inside the tissues of the pancreas, an important endocrine organ situated behind the stomach, is known as pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is a vital organ for digestion because it produces enzymes for breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins.

In addition, the pancreas is responsible for producing the hormones: insulin, glucagon and several others. These hormones are in charge of regulating the way glucose (sugar) is metabolized in the body. Insulin assists cells in metabolizing glucose for the production of energy, while glucagon assists in raising glucose levels when they have dropped to an unhealthy level.

Because of where the pancreas is located, pancreatic cancer might be tough to identify and is often discovered later.

Although it affects women at a lower rate than males, pancreatic cancer is the fourth greatest cause of cancer mortality overall.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms often manifest in the disease’s advanced stages. Additionally, they may be similar to the signs of other diseases, making identification more difficult.

Symptoms: 

• Stomach or backache
• Jaundice
• Lack of hunger and weight reduction
• Nausea and vomiting
• Liver or gallbladder enlargement
• Clots in the bloodstream, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis
• Diabetes
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatty or pale grey stools
• In rare circumstances, fever and shivering
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Jaundice-related rashes

New symptoms may emerge in other body parts if the cancer has progressed.

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

When to See Doctor

There is generally a significant delay between the onset of cancer in the pancreas and any noticeable symptoms.

Jaundice is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical attention—other uncommon symptoms lasting four weeks or more need medical attention as well.

If you notice any of the symptoms, you must visit a Pancreatic Cancer Specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Praveen Kammar, at the earliest.

Also Read : Risk factors of pancreatic cancer

Is Pancreatic Cancer Curable?

Compared to other types of cancer, pancreatic cancer is relatively rare. Patients with pancreatic cancer have a better chance of surviving if the disease is caught early. 

However, most people with pancreatic cancer don’t have any symptoms in the initial stages.

Thus, only 10–15% of pancreatic cancer patients get diagnosed early enough for surgical removal. 

As a result, the survival rates are much inferior in pancreatic cancer when compared to other cancers. Only 10% of patients with pancreatic cancer have a 5-year survival rate after the disease is detected.

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

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

What causes pancreatic cancer is not understood. However, several risk factors have increased the likelihood of acquiring the disease. Some of them are:

• Tobacco usage:
  Cigarette smoking is responsible for about 20 to 35 % of occurrences of pancreatic cancer.

• Excessive alcohol consumption:
  Consuming three or more alcoholic beverages is another risk factor that might lead to pancreatitis which in turn leads to cancer.

• Hereditary and persistent pancreatitis:
  This condition describes inflammation in the pancreas due to genertic inheritence,

• Weight:
  Your risk may be increased if you are overweight or obese, especially in your early adult years.

• Diet:
  Your risk may rise if you consume a diet heavy in red and processed meats, fried foods, sugar, or cholesterol; however, specialists are still trying to determine the precise connection between dietary components and the chance of developing pancreatic cancer.

• Gender:
  The risk of developing pancreatic cancer in males is somewhat higher than in women.

• Exposure in the workplace:
  Working with some chemicals, notably those utilized in metalworking, as well as pesticides, has the potential to play a role in up to 12 % of instances of pancreatic cancer.

• Age:
  The risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer increases for those between the ages of 65 and 74.

• Diabetes:
  If you have diabetes of either type 1 or type 2, your risk of having pancreatic cancer is likely greater.

• Family history:
  A pancreatic cancer diagnosis may run in families for up to 10 %  of those diagnosed with the disease.

• Infections:
  Your chance of developing pancreatic cancer may be increased if you have a history of H. pylori infection in your digestive system; however, the precise connection between the two is unclear.

Some illnesses may be caused by specific genetic variants and mutations that can potentially raise your chance of developing pancreatic cancer. The following are some examples of these conditions:

• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndromes
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
• Hereditary pancreatitis
• Lynch syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Read More: Why Is Pancreatic Cancer So Deadly?

Conclusion

Proper care is required for patients with pancreatic cancer. In most instances, pancreatic cancer is detected late, after it has already spread. Because of advances in pancreatic cancer treatment in mumbai can now extend their lives and enjoy a better standard of living.

Suppose you have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer and are experiencing symptoms you believe may be related to the disease, seeing a medical practitioner as soon as possible is essential. Pancreatic cancer symptoms might be similar to those of other diseases, but it is best treated if found early.