The pancreas is a large gland located at the middle and the left of the upper abdominal cavity, it consists of three parts: head, body, and tail. Pancreas produces both hormones and digestive enzymes. Pancreas cancer happened when the exocrine cells or endocrine cells grow out of control, this uncontrollable division producing a pancreatic mass called a tumor.
Pancreatic cancer generally spread first within the abdomen cavity, it can also spread out the abdominal cavity towards the lungs, bones, brain, and other organs. Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.
According to the American Cancer Society, the percentage of pancreatic cancer is about 3% of all cancers in the United States and about 7% of all cancer death.
This type of cancer is slightly more common in men than in women.
Usually, pancreatic cancer does not cause clear symptoms in its early stage, many physicians say that pancreatic cancer is a silent disease because of its late symptoms.
As pancreatic cancer grows it can start to cause many symptoms, these can include:
The direct cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, however, there are a lot of factors that raise the risk of pancreatic cancer.
After careful medical examination, medical history, and family history, if there is any suspicion of pancreatic cancer, the physician may refer for further investigations.
may show up elevated pancreatic function, liver
function, and Bilirubin level.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: most common, it arises from uncontrollable growth of exocrine cells which produce digestive enzymes.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: it arises from the uncontrollable growth of endocrine cells which produce hormones.
Surgery is not indicated in advanced cases (extensive cancer spread, vessel invasion). however, some palliative treatments can be done (nerve block for pain management, bile duct stent insertion for jaundice treatment).
In borderline resectable tumors: neoadjuvant treatment (chemoradiotherapy) to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove by surgery.
In advanced tumors: chemoradiotherapy is recommended followed by surgery if possible. Other treatment options include immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
The long-term prognosis in pancreatic cancer depends on size, type, and degree of metastasis.
5 years relative survival rate in localized pancreatic cancer is 37% meanwhile decreasing to 10% in regional cancer and to 3% in advanced metastasized cases.
Best Pancreatic cancer screening and comprehensive oncology services at DRHC in Dubai. Our expert team of Oncology Specialists is dedicated to providing top-notch care and early detection for all types of cancer. Book your appointment today and take charge of your health!
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