What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer happens when abnormal cells grow rapidly forming tumors (malignant) in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas makes digestive enzymes and produces hormones that control your blood sugar levels.
Some tumors are benign meaning they can’t invade the other parts of the body while malignant tumors are cancerous since they grow out of control and easily spread throughout body tissues. Pancreatic cancer commonly spreads to the abdominal wall, liver, lymph nodes, and lungs.
Pancreatic cancer is classified into two parts: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type while Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is the less common type of pancreatic cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Early signs and symptoms are not easy to detect and diagnose. They include:
- Pain in the back or abdomen
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
- Blood clots
- Fatigue and weakness of the body
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice)
- Loss of appetite
Tests are carried out to determine the stage and type of pancreatic cancer.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
There is no known cause of pancreatic cancer. However, there are risk factors like hereditary factors (genes), diabetes, smoking, excess weight, being over 45 years of age, smoking, and chronic pancreatitis.
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Treatment options vary depending on whether cancer has spread to other areas of the body, the stage of your cancer, the location of the tumor as well as your health status. The treatment options for pancreatic cancer may have various side effects. It is important to seek professional help from a specialist like Dr. Neeraj Kaushik. He offers various treatment options like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and pain control for pancreatic cancer.
Call or book an appointment online with Dr. Kaushik today to learn more about the treatment options, and follow-up tests or checkups that will improve your quality of life.