What can be done to treat pancreas cancer? There are two main types of treatment options. Surgical removal and chemotherapy are the main options for both types of treatment. In most cases, a pancreatic cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body is called a resectable pancreatic cancer. However, in some cases, it may spread to distant areas or to the blood vessels that supply the pancreas.
Surgery is the most common treatment for pancreas cancer. The tumor may be removed in a Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy. This type of surgery is only performed on patients with small, resectable tumors. It is usually performed at a regional referral center. Postoperative treatment may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. If surgery is unsuccessful, patients may be referred to a clinical trial.
Heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are two of the main causes of pancreatic cancer. Smoking increases the risk by two-thirds, while being overweight and obese increases the risk by one-fifth. The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases sharply after the age of 55. People of African descent are at higher risk of developing the disease than people from other ethnic groups. About ten percent of pancreatic cancer cases may be caused by hereditary changes in the genes. These mutations include the Lynch syndrome, which is typically caused by defects in the MLH1 or MSH2 gene. Other causes may be associated with environmental factors such as work with metals and chemicals.
Most pancreatic cancers are exocrine. This means that the tumors grow in the cells that make the enzymes for digestion. Neuroendocrine tumors are much rarer and less common. Fortunately, treatments for pancreas cancer can often target both types of cancer. You should consult your doctor if you suspect you may have pancreas cancer. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk.
Diagnosing pancreas cancer is not easy, and your healthcare provider cannot feel the pancreas during a routine physical examination. Therefore, imaging tests are important in pancreas cancer diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound uses a thin tube with a camera on the end. The image generated by the ultrasound can guide a biopsy. In addition, it is a very useful tool for doctors to assess the extent of the disease in the pancreas.
Most pancreas cancer patients will need chemotherapy. However, a small percentage of people with pancreatic cancer will survive with surgery. If you have a family history of this type of cancer, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor may order additional tests to determine the extent of the disease or whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The sooner the cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of recovery.
Pancreatic cancer is rare and can be fatal, but with early detection and treatment, you can expect an improved outcome. With surgery, your doctor can remove part of the stomach, the duodenum, and the head of the pancreas. You will then receive a small intestine, which will replace the bile duct and duodenum. You’ll need four to six weeks to recover from the surgery.
