As the name suggests, pancreatic cancer begins when the cells in the pancreas start growing uncontrollably. The pancreas, being a flat organ located behind the stomach in the abdomen, is responsible for regulating and maintaining the metabolism and digestion of the body.
There are two main pancreatic cancer types: exocrine pancreatic cancer and endocrine pancreatic cancer, or neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer (NETs). These different types of pancreatic carcinomas are classified based on the location of the cancerous cells in the pancreas. For example, exocrine pancreatic cancer initiates in the exocrine cells, while neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer starts in the endocrine cells.
Pancreatic cancer is a severe cancer type that is renowned as a 'silent killer.' The reason is that this type of cancer presents itself as asymptomatic in its early stages. Also, pancreatic cancer symptoms are quite vague and can be mistaken for other lesser-known diseases. Thus, the survival rate of carcinoma of the pancreas is relatively low compared to other cancer forms.
Pancreatic carcinoma is a relatively rare type of cancer when compared to other cancer types. The survival rates for pancreatic cancer are relatively low
The risk of getting pancreatic carcinoma rises with age.
There are two main pancreatic cancer types, and each of these types has subtypes. Here are the top 8 types of pancreatic carcinoma.
The two main pancreatic cancer types are exocrine pancreatic cancer and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer.
Exocrine cells produce enzymes that assist in the digestion of food, and exocrine pancreatic cancer starts in these cells.
Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer (NETs) starts in the endocrine cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing hormones for regulating different essential body functions.
Here are some other pancreatic cancer types:
Adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer is a type of exocrine pancreatic carcinoma that forms in the pancreatic ducts and tissues. Adenocarcinoma is an aggressive form of pancreatic carcinoma that spreads quite quickly.
Acinar cell carcinoma is an exocrine carcinoma that starts in the tail or body of the pancreas. This pancreatic cancer type is aggressive and will often need a multimodal treatment approach.
Pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer. Unlike other forms of pancreatic carcinoma, it arises from the squamous epithelial cells that line specific structures present in the pancreas.
Adenosquamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that has features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These cancerous cells can occur in different parts of the body, including the lungs, esophagus, cervix, and pancreas. When these cells are found in the pancreas, it is called adenosquamous pancreatic cancer.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) refers to the development of potential cancerous tumors in the form of projectiles that are finger-shaped and are present inside the pancreatic ducts. These are usually slow in growth but possess the potential to grow into carcinoma of the pancreas.
Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm (MCN) refers to the formation of cystic pre-cancerous tumors in different parts of the body, but mainly in the pancreas. These tumors are characterized by the presence of mucin-producing cells and are found mainly in the tail of the pancreas.
The pancreatic cancer stage implies the extent of the spread of cancer within the pancreas and nearby organs and the size of the tumor.
The TNM system has been developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) for the staging of cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. The system is designed to determine the extent of the spread of the primary tumor, regional lymph node involvement, and the appearance of distant metastasis (M).
Once the TNM parameters are evaluated, pancreatic carcinoma is staged:
Stage 0 pancreatic cancer, also known as carcinoma in situ, refers to the earliest stage of the cancer. In this stage, the cancerous cells have not invaded the nearby tissues or penetrated deep into them but have localized growth.
In stage 1 pancreatic cancer, the cancer grows beyond the cells that are lining the pancreas and may start invading the nearby tissues. However, the cancer at this point has not invaded the nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
2nd stage pancreatic cancer implies that the cancer has moved from the pancreas but has not spread to the other distant essential organs. At this stage, the cancer may have spread to the nearby regional lymph nodes.
3rd stage pancreatic cancer refers to the advanced stage of pancreatic carcinoma, in which the cancer spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and structures. However, the cancer has not spread to distant organs, and the tumor may be large and quite invasive.
4th stage pancreatic cancer is considered to be the final stage of pancreatic cancer. At this stage, the cancer spreads to distant tissues and organs. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is also referred to as metastatic pancreatic carcinoma.
The answer to the question 'how to prevent pancreatic cancer' lies in understanding the pancreatic cancer risk factors. These risk factors include aspects that increase the chances of a person getting cancer. That said, it is important to know that having these risk factors does not guarantee a pancreatic cancer diagnosis; they only increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Being aware of the multiple pancreatic cancer risk factors and the appropriate measures that increase the chances of pancreatic cancer prevention is important.
Here are some of the most common risk factors for pancreatic cancer that can increase the chances of an individual suffering from cancer.
Increasing age is one of the common risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and it is found mostly in adults who are over the age of 65. This is because with increasing age, the human body is more exposed to risk factors such as genetic mutations, obesity, pancreatic changes, and cellular aging.
Tobacco consumption is also one of the most important pancreatic cancer risk factors. Tobacco contains different carcinogens, which are known as cancer-causing objects, that increase the risk of getting the disease. Some of the chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and acrylamides, found in tobacco products are associated with pancreatic carcinoma.
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer can also increase one’s chances of developing it. In addition, harsh environments and shared genetic traits also make an individual vulnerable to cancer.
Inherited genetic mutations are also considered among the common pancreatic cancer risk factors. The reason is that these mutations can hamper the functioning of the genes involved in the repair process of DNA, which can increase the risk of developing carcinoma of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis leads to long-term inflammation in the pancreas, which can damage the DNA of the pancreatic cells, increasing the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes is also considered one of the most common pancreatic cancer risk factors. People suffering from type 2 diabetes often get high blood sugar levels, which can hamper the working of the pancreas, eventually increasing the risk of getting cancer.
Obesity or being overweight can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal alterations. All these factors can increase one’s chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
Exposure to chemicals such as tobacco, pesticides, metalworking fluids, benzene, dietary chemicals, and industrial chemicals can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption can result in specific metabolic changes that may contribute to increasing the chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Here are specific, effective pancreatic cancer prevention measures that can go a long way in helping individuals with high-risk factors.
Refraining from tobacco use is a significant pancreatic cancer prevention measure that an individual can adopt. By reducing exposure to harmful carcinogens present in tobacco, it is possible to bring down one’s pancreatic cancer risk.
As alcohol is also among the major risk factors for pancreatic cancer, limiting its consumption surely helps in the possible prevention of the disease.
Being overweight can expose the body to a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight is highly helpful in reducing the risk of this cancer.
Though there are no specific pancreatic cancer foods to avoid, it is always recommended to eat healthy and avoid highly processed and unhealthy foods.
Staying physically active helps with weight management, improved digestive health, and reduced inflammation, which are important to reduce one’s pancreatic cancer risk.
Managing chronic conditions such as type-2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and high blood pressure can improve the chances of pancreatic cancer prevention.
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer plays a significant role in increasing the risk of getting the cancer. Thus, it is advisable to discuss the genetic risk, if any, with the doctor for a possible intervention that can help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Regular checkups help the doctor recognize any warning signals of pancreatic cancer within the body. Also, since the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often confused with those of less serious diseases, it is better to opt for regular health checkups.
Being aware of the different symptoms of pancreatic cancer is important, and if one starts experiencing them, immediate medical attention is recommended.
Pancreatic cancer diagnosis is done using various tests. It is important to diagnose pancreatic cancer accurately, as treatment plans are devised based on this information. Today, we have modern treatment facilities available for pancreatic cancer, which are helping in the effective management of the condition.
The first step in pancreatic cancer diagnosis involves a physical examination and medical history assessment. When an individual presents with symptoms that indicate pancreatic cancer, the doctor examines the patient to understand the cause of those symptoms. If the doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, additional tests will follow.
The first and essential step toward pancreatic cancer diagnosis is knowing about the person's medical history and physical examination.Along with physically examining the patient, the patient’s medical history is also discussed in detail. This helps doctors understand the possible causes of symptoms.
Blood tests are usually important for pancreatic cancer diagnosis because they provide essential information about the cancer stage and also help in determining effective treatment options. Some blood tests are used to look for tumor markers, such as CA-19-9 and CEA. One must note that having these tumor markers does not always indicate pancreatic cancer. Therefore, additional tests, like imaging scans, are recommended for a conclusive diagnosis.
Another set of tests for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer includes imaging tests. These imaging tests are used for visualizing the detailed pancreas, nearby tissues and structures, and any kind of abnormality.
CT scans offer cross-sectional, detailed images of the abdomen while detecting any kinds of tumors found in the pancreas and the extent of the spread of the cancer. During the test, a contrast dye is injected into a particular vein to get enhanced images to improve the tumor's visibility.
Another essential imaging test used for pancreatic cancer diagnosis is MRI, which makes use of magnetic fields as well as radiowaves to create elaborate images of the pancreas and the nearby vessels.
Endoscopic ultrasound makes use of a thin and flexible tube called an endoscope, which is equipped with an ultrasound probe to get high-resolution and elaborate images of the pancreas.
During a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the body. This scan is done to look for areas with increased metabolic activity, which indicates the presence of cancer cells.
For a definitive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a biopsy is recommended. A biopsy refers to the removal of a small sample of tissue from the pancreas and its examination under the microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.
Fine needle aspiration, or FNA, is a common biopsy method in which a hollow and thin needle is inserted into the skin to collect a sample of tissues from the pancreas.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a diagnostic test used for the evaluation of pancreatic samples. During this procedure, a tube with a camera on its tip is passed through the patient's mouth into the stomach and duodenum, and then into the pancreatic and bile ducts. This helps the doctors view any kind of abnormality or blockage in the pancreas. During this procedure, the doctor may also collect a tissue sample for further examination; therefore, this procedure is also known as an ERCP biopsy.
Laparoscopy is another invasive diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer that involves the insertion of a flexible and thin tube with a camera and a light into the body. This procedure helps the specialists examine the structures of the pancreas for abnormalities.
Once the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is confirmed, pancreatic cancer staging is done. Staging is a process that aids in examining the tumor and determining the extent of the spread of the cancer and its severity. Based on these factors, pancreatic cancer is categorized into stages 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. This helps the doctors get relevant information about the patient's prognosis and design an effective treatment plan.
Designing an effective pancreatic cancer treatment involves different aspects, such as the tumor's location, the patient's overall health, the possibility of removing the cancer or not, and the cancer's stage.
A surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer is considered to be an effective pancreatic cancer treatment. The doctors go for surgery when the tumor is localized and can be removed completely.
This is an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer. This surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer involves the removal of the pancreas head, a small part of the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the duodenum, and, in some cases, a part of the stomach.
Distal pancreatectomy is recommended for patients who have pancreatic cancer located in the tail of the pancreas. During this pancreatic cancer operation, the tail of the pancreas is removed. The spleen may also be removed as a part of this procedure, depending on the extent of the disease.
A total pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire pancreas.
Chemotherapy, or chemo, for pancreatic cancer is a significant treatment for this type of cancer. Chemotherapy involves administering drugs to target and kill cancerous cells. The commonly recommended chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer include nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These pancreatic cancer medications have been found to be effective in the management of pancreatic cancer.
Radiation therapy is a pancreatic cancer therapy that makes use of radiation beams to target and kill cancerous cells.
Targeted therapy is a pancreatic cancer treatment line that targets specific molecules that are responsible for the growth and spreading of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is a pancreatic cancer treatment procedure that involves the re-engineering of the patient’s immune system to identify and attack the cancerous cells.
Palliative care is a line of treatment that focuses on offering support and making efforts to improve the quality of life. Palliative care for pancreatic cancer includes pain management, symptom control, emotional support, advance care planning, and extending support for caregivers.
Clinical trials involve conducting studies and research to discover new drugs and treatments for better management of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients who have exhausted their standard treatment options may consider enrolling in clinical trials where they can try new treatments. It is important to note that not all patients are eligible for clinical trials, and they must have a detailed discussion with their treating doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial. So far, no treatment method has been identified as a pancreatic cancer cure. All these treatment approaches are, however, found to be effective in the management of pancreatic cancer.
Selecting the right healthcare facility for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment plays an essential role in determining its success rate. Thus, experts often recommend selecting a hospital that can help patients receive holistic care when it comes to pancreatic cancer treatment. As a leading pancreatic cancer hospital in India, HCG stands out from the crowd with its high-end treatment facilities and clinical expertise and helps pancreatic cancer patients receive the highest quality care.
The answer to the question 'how to prevent pancreatic cancer' lies in understanding the pancreatic cancer risk factors. These risk factors include aspects that increase the chances of a person getting cancer. That said, it is important to know that having these risk factors does not guarantee a pancreatic cancer diagnosis; they only increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Being aware of the multiple pancreatic cancer risk factors and the appropriate measures that increase the chances of pancreatic cancer prevention is important.
Here are some of the most common risk factors for pancreatic cancer that can increase the chances of an individual suffering from cancer.
Increasing age is one of the common risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and it is found mostly in adults who are over the age of 65. This is because with increasing age, the human body is more exposed to risk factors such as genetic mutations, obesity, pancreatic changes, and cellular aging.
Tobacco consumption is also one of the most important pancreatic cancer risk factors. Tobacco contains different carcinogens, which are known as cancer-causing objects, that increase the risk of getting the disease. Some of the chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and acrylamides, found in tobacco products are associated with pancreatic carcinoma.
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer can also increase one’s chances of developing it. In addition, harsh environments and shared genetic traits also make an individual vulnerable to cancer.
Inherited genetic mutations are also considered among the common pancreatic cancer risk factors. The reason is that these mutations can hamper the functioning of the genes involved in the repair process of DNA, which can increase the risk of developing carcinoma of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis leads to long-term inflammation in the pancreas, which can damage the DNA of the pancreatic cells, increasing the chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes is also considered one of the most common pancreatic cancer risk factors. People suffering from type 2 diabetes often get high blood sugar levels, which can hamper the working of the pancreas, eventually increasing the risk of getting cancer.
Obesity or being overweight can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal alterations. All these factors can increase one’s chances of developing pancreatic cancer.
Exposure to chemicals such as tobacco, pesticides, metalworking fluids, benzene, dietary chemicals, and industrial chemicals can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption can result in specific metabolic changes that may contribute to increasing the chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Here are specific, effective pancreatic cancer prevention measures that can go a long way in helping individuals with high-risk factors.
Refraining from tobacco use is a significant pancreatic cancer prevention measure that an individual can adopt. By reducing exposure to harmful carcinogens present in tobacco, it is possible to bring down one’s pancreatic cancer risk.
Refraining from tobacco use is a significant pancreatic cancer prevention measure that an individual can adopt. By reducing exposure to harmful carcinogens present in tobacco, it is possible to bring down one’s pancreatic cancer risk.
As alcohol is also among the major risk factors for pancreatic cancer, limiting its consumption surely helps in the possible prevention of the disease.
Being overweight can expose the body to a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight is highly helpful in reducing the risk of this cancer.
Though there are no specific pancreatic cancer foods to avoid, it is always recommended to eat healthy and avoid highly processed and unhealthy foods.
Staying physically active helps with weight management, improved digestive health, and reduced inflammation, which are important to reduce one’s pancreatic cancer risk.
Managing chronic conditions such as type-2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and high blood pressure can improve the chances of pancreatic cancer prevention.
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer plays a significant role in increasing the risk of getting the cancer. Thus, it is advisable to discuss the genetic risk, if any, with the doctor for a possible intervention that can help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Regular checkups help the doctor recognize any warning signals of pancreatic cancer within the body. Also, since the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often confused with those of less serious diseases, it is better to opt for regular health checkups.
Being aware of the different symptoms of pancreatic cancer is important, and if one starts experiencing them, immediate medical attention is recommended.
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive and rare form of cancer that is not easily diagnosed in its early stages. It is also one of the cancers with relatively poor survival rates. For effective management, doctors often recommend going for regular checkups.
