What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the pancreas, an organ that sits behind the stomach. The pancreas is about six inches long, but less than two inches wide, and is made up of two types of cells that are responsible for different functions:
- Exocrine cells: make enzymes that aid in digestion.
- Endocrine cells: make insulin and glucagon that help control blood sugar levels.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, which occurs when exocrine cells start to grow out of control and form a tumor. Another type of pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, occur when endocrine cells grow out of control.
How Common Is Pancreatic Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US, and about 7% of all cancer deaths. It’s slightly more common in men than in women.
What Are The Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer symptoms are not usually present in early stages, in advanced stages symptoms may include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back.
- Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine (jaundice).
- Weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a MemorialCare Physician partner.
What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
Doctors are unsure what causes pancreatic cancer, but believe that certain factors, including family history and smoking, may raise your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Other factors include exposure to certain chemicals, chronic pancreatitis, and poor diet.
What Are The Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer?
You are at a greater risk for pancreatic cancer risk if you:
- Are over the age of 70.
- Are male.
- Are African American.
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
- Are overweight.
- Have diabetes, chronic pancreatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
- Have a family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited certain mutations in genes that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Are exposed to chemicals such as pesticides and dyes.
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, getting plenty of exercise and not smoking is recommended.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?
Tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer include:
- Imaging tests: ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
After you receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, your health care team will determine the stage of your cancer. The stage of your cancer helps your care team to understand how serious the cancer is and create a treatment plan for you. Pancreatic cancer stages range from 0 to 4, with 0 being the earliest stage (the cancer is only in the pancreas) and 4 being the most advanced stage (the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body).
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. You may need a combination of treatments. Treatments include:
- Surgery
- Robotic-Assisted Whipple Procedure – removes the head of the pancreas, first part of the small intestine, and bile duct.
- Distal Pancreatectomy – removes the body and tail of the pancreas.
- Total Pancreatectomy – removes the entire pancreas
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
How Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Prevented?
Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, getting plenty of exercise and not smoking can help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
FAQs About Pancreatic Cancer
Early stages of pancreatic cancer usually don’t cause symptoms. For this reason, most cases of pancreatic cancer aren’t identified until they’ve metastasized.
Yes. There is a relationship between BRCA mutations (breast and ovarian cancer) and pancreatic cancer. BRCA mutations almost double your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, since breast cancer is so common, not all patients with breast cancer are considered to have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
It can be, however, most cases of pancreatitis are unrelated to pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cysts are common, and the majority are not cancerous. In some cases, cysts can be malignant or precancerous. Your health care provider will be able to determine the malignant risk of your cyst.
Yes, you can live without a pancreas. You will be diabetic without a pancreas and will have to take insulin regularly. You will also need to take enzyme pills to help with food digestion.
We provide numerous support groups and resources to guide you through your pancreatic cancer journey.