Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells that make up the pancreas grow abnormally and destroy nearby tissue and organs. The pancreas is a tube-like organ that is near the back of the abdomen. The pancreas' main function is to create insulin and stimulate certain hormones. The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, and it often goes undetected until it has reached its late stages.
Symptoms
Most cases of stage IV pancreatic cancer are asymptomatic or silent. One of the first signs once the tumor has already begun growing may be a sign of jaundice. This is identified as a yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes. Pain in the upper abdomen and lower back may be present. This could be caused from the enlargement of the primary tumor, or it could be due to the tumor interfering with the function of the bile duct or the pancreas itself. Loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss and weakness are also symptoms.
Diagnosis
Aggressive treatment must be carried out to increase survival rates, especially with a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. A CT scan or MRI may be conducted to determine the initial diagnosis and see how big the tumor is or how far the cancer has spread. Further testing and biopsies of nearby lymph nodes will also help to establish staging or how advanced the disease has progressed. Blood work, urine and stool tests, a transabdominal ultrasound, angiogram and an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram may also be ordered to confirm a diagnosis.
Stage IV
Stage IV is the most serious cancer in the staging process. This means the cancer or the main tumor has branched out from the pancreas and spread to nearby and distant organs and lymph nodes. This is often called metastases or metastatic cancer.
Prognosis
Pancreatic cancer is based on a 5-year percentage rate. The prognosis for stage IV pancreatic cancer is grim. According to the American Cancer Society, only 1 percent of all patients diagnosed with stage IV will survive the full 5 years after diagnosis. According to the website, no matter what the stage, only 20% of people live beyond a year after their diagnosis and just 4 percent live past 5 years.
Treatment
Surgery is tricky with pancreatic cancer, because the organ is so important to survival itself. Parts of it can be removed, as well as the nearby duodenum, stomach, lymph nodes and infected tissues. Radiation and chemotherapy can be administered to help target the tumor and halt the remaining cancer cells from spreading. Mostly palliative care is administered. This can be done by using the radiation therapy to reduce the size of the tumor to minimize pain and discomfort. Pain killers such as oxycodone may be administered to help the patient cope with pain and anxiety as the disease runs its course and takes over the body. Hospice care may be instituted to have a team assist with the care of the patient and provide family support.
