Pancreatic Cancer: Silent but deadly policy

Author: Muskan Jha

The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas is composed of two glands

  • The exocrine gland helps digest foods
  • The endocrine gland produces insulin and glucose that helps manage blood sugar levels in the body.

Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas and is considered one of the deadliest cancers and is said to be the worst type of cancer in the world. Several types of tumors can grow on your pancreas some may be benign while some are cancerous. Pancreatic cancer is considered deadly because it is rarely detected in the early stages when it is curable. With an average survival rate of 5% pancreatic cancer is considered a silent killer.

Types of pancreatic cancers are

  • Exocrine pancreatic cancer is more common and accounts for 85% of pancreatic cancers. It typically begins in the duct that carries enzymes out of the pancreas.
  • Endocrine pancreatic cancer has tumors that affect the functioning of the endocrine gland. This type of cancer is rarer.
Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
  • Jaundice like symptoms
  • Light-colored stool
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Itchy skin
  • Difficult to control diabetes or sudden diabetes.
  • Blood clots
  • Fatigue

Visit the best doctors in Pune in case you have symptoms that worry you. Many diseases can explain these symptoms the best doctor near me will conduct a thorough examination before diagnosing your condition.

Causes

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer cannot be determined. Certain people are at higher risk of contracting pancreatic cancer

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • People suffering from pancreatitis
  • Genetic reasons
  • Obesity
  • Old age
  • Men are more prone to pancreatic cancer than women
Diagnosis

When the best doctors in Pune first conducts a thorough physical examination. Diabetes, trousseau’s sign, and recent pancreatitis are possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer. If the best general physician in Pune suspects you have pancreatic cancer he or she may order the following tests:-

  • Imaging tests such as ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans.
  • Blood tests at home may include liver function test, tumor marker CA19-9 is used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. Not all pancreatic cancer have CA19-9 marker
  • Laboratory tests such as urine tests and stool tests.
  • Biopsy

After the best doctor near me confirms their diagnosis they try to establish the stage of pancreatic cancer. Using the staging test the best doctor near me can proceed with the treatment. Stages are usually numbered from 0-IV where 0 is early-stage cancer and IV being the most advanced stage

Treatment

The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on the type of pancreatic cancer, stage of the disease and the general health of the patient. Pancreatic cancer is treated by a team of doctors. Treatment generally involves chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. During surgery of pancreatic cancer, the entire pancreas or part of the pancreas is removed depending on the location and size of the tumor. Only 20% of pancreatic cancer patients can take the surgery because of the late diagnosis of the disease. If the pancreatic cancer is in an advanced stage treatment is unlikely to work doctor’s focus on palliative care or symptom management.

A person’s immunity reduces drastically during cancer treatment ordering medicines online becomes very convenient. The side effects of cancer treatment are often severe the best Physiotherapist In Pune can alleviate symptoms such as lymphoedema (swelling of tissues) and fatigue. The best physiotherapist In Pune can reduce health complications and help a person return to work sooner.