Cancer of the pancreas, also called pancreatic cancer, is the overgrowth of abnormal cells in the pancreas, an organ found in the abdomen. The pancreas is responsible for producing chemicals that help digest food and hormones that control blood sugar levels in the body. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America website states that around 29,000 patients are diagnosed with this type of cancer yearly in the United States.
Types
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America states that two types of pancreas cancer exist: exocrine and endocrine. The exocrine gland is where about 95 percent of pancreatic cancer starts. Exocrine cancers are found in the ducts of the pancreas, and endocrine cancers affect the cells that make pancreatic hormones.
Risk Factors
People who are at greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer include smokers, people who are obese, those who have a history of pancreas problems or a family history of pancreatic cancer, people aged 70 to 80 years old, and people with genetic syndromes such as atypical mole-malignant melanoma. Race also plays a factor, with African-Americans at a greater risk of contracting pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms
According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, general symptoms of cancer of the pancreas include yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, abnormal bowel movements, pain in the upper portion of the stomach, decreased appetite, weight loss, blood clots, diabetes and a swollen gallbladder.
Diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer grows at a rapid rate and is rarely diagnosed early enough to prevent death. According to the Mayo Clinic, the health care provider may perform ultrasounds of the pancreas and other internal organs, biopsies, CT scans and MRI procedures to look at ducts within the pancreas, which include an injection of dye into the pancreas and liver.
Treatment
Treatment options for pancreatic patients depend on the progression of the cancer, the age and health of the patient and the patient's preference. Removing the cancer is always the first treatment choice, but another option includes slowing down the cancer to reduce negative symptoms. Treatments include surgical removal of the cancer, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Complications
Complications related to pancreatic cancer include jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine and light colored bowel movements. Other effects include pain, intestinal blockage, weight loss and death.
Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, refraining from smoking, exercising 30 minutes daily, keeping a healthy weight and eating a nutritional diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce the risks of developing pancreatic cancer.
