Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells invade the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas produces juices that are used to help in the process of digestion by breaking down food. It also produces hormones that help to control blood sugar levels. If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, your treatment plan will be based on the stage of your cancer as well as your overall health. Common treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery is the best option for people whose cancer can be safely and effectively removed, reports the Mayo Clinic. There are many different types of surgical operations for this type of cancer. Some may have the tumor removed or resected. Other procedures include the Whipple procedure, where the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, part of the stomach and small intestine, and bile duct are surgically removed. Other options include removing the whole pancreas or both the pancreas and spleen. You and your physician will decide which option is best for your plan of care.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing, states the National Cancer Institute. It may be given intravenously or taken by mouth. Regional chemotherapy may be used in certain cancers, where the drugs are placed directly into the abdominal cavity. According to the American Cancer Society, Gemcitabine (Gemzar) is the chemotherapy drug used most often to treat pancreatic cancer.
Radiation
Radiation pancreatic cancer treatment uses high-beam x-rays to kill cancer cells and keep them from growing and multiplying. Radiation may be done externally by a machine outside of the body, or internally by implanting seeds or devices near the affected areas. According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation is also used before or after surgery to reduce the size of tumors and destroy cancer cells that may have spread beyond the pancreas.
