What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer of the pancreas develops from changes in the genetic code of the cells in the pancreas. Various parts of the pancreas can develop pancreatic cancer, but about 70% of pancreatic cancers occur in the head of the pancreas.

More than 95% of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that begins in the cells that line the pancreatic ducts. Other cancers such as Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), lymphomas or metastases organ from other cancers of other organs can also occur in the pancreas. Among all cancers, pancreatic cancer ranks fifth in terms of mortality. In the case of pancreatic cancer, the five-year survival rate is 11%.

Signs and Symptoms

Early stage pancreatic cancer usually has no symptoms until the disease is advanced. Several symptoms may be present:

Abdominal pain

Loss of weight

Appetite loss

Vomiting and nausea

Backpain

Jaundice

Characterised by yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, as well as dark urine

The following are less common signs:

Diabetes

(10-20% of people with pancreatic cancer develop diabetes).

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

The following tests can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer:

Blood Tests

Targeted blood tests are performed to help determine treatment options.

Endoscopic Ultrasound

A safe and minimally invasive method that uses sound waves to visualise the pancreas and surrounding area to determine whether a tumour is present. One of the most effective tools for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the management of pancreatic cancer.

CT Scan

CT (computerised tomography) scans are used to obtain multiple images of the inside of the body using x-rays.

MRI

In MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), magnetic waves create a detailed image of the pancreas and surrounding organs.

PET Scan

During PET (positron emission tomography), a small amount of radioactive material is injected to highlight any tumours present.

Tissue Sampling Tests

Testing for tissue samples includes fine-needle aspiration (needle biopsy), laparoscopy, and endoscopy.

Your tests will be determined by the symptoms, type, and stage of your cancer.

After A Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

When you receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious, or confused. These are normal reactions. Each person is affected differently by a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It will be a difficult time for the majority of people. However, some individuals manage to continue with their regular daily routines.

Talking with your doctor, family, and friends about your treatment options may be helpful. Please feel free to ask as many questions as possible to obtain as much information as possible. Whether or not you wish to be involved in the decision-making process for your treatment is entirely up to you.

Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

Staging

To determine the stage of cancer, imaging and tissue sampling tests are performed (above). Pancreatic cancer is staged according to the TNM system, which describes cancer's stage from stage I to stage IV.

Types of treatment

A combination of surgery, endoscopic treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be used to treat pancreatic cancer.

Early disease is usually treated with surgery depending on the location of the cancer. Surgery may not be possible for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. A common goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms such as pain and digestive problems.

Palliative care

If you have pancreatic cancer, your medical team may discuss palliative care with you. Palliative care aims to enhance your quality of life by alleviating cancer symptoms without attempting to cure them.

Besides slowing the spread of pancreatic cancer, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other drug therapies may be used in the treatment process.

Treatment Team

Your treatment team may include a variety of different health professionals, such as:

A gastroenterologist who specialises in diseases of the digestive system.
An endocrinologist who specialises in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders (hormones).
A pancreatic surgeon who specialises in surgery of the liver and pancreas.
A clinical oncologist who prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments.
A palliative care physician who prevents and relieves the suffering of people who have serious illnesses.
An oncology nurse who can assist with treatment, providing information, and support throughout treatment.
The presence of other allied health professionals, such as cancer care coordinator, pharmacists, and counsellors.
Palliative care specialists

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is applied for certain types of colon cancer. These innovative new drugs stop the growth of cancer cells by interfering with specific proteins and receptors or blood vessels that supply the tumour with what it needs to grow, survive and spread.

Radiation Therapy

Also known as radiotherapy, SJMC has the Varian True Beam Linac and Helical Tomotherapy, which are advanced radiation therapy systems. These advanced radiation treatments include:

3D-conformal radiation therapy: Several radiation beams are given in the exact shape of the tumour
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): Treatment is tailored to the specific shape of the tumour to reduce damage to normal tissue.

Prognosis For Pancreatic Cancer

A disease's prognosis refers to its expected outcome. Your physician can provide you with information about your prognosis and treatment options. You must consider your test results, the type, stage, and location of cancer, as well as other factors such as your age, fitness, and medical history.

Most pancreatic cancers are not detected until they are advanced, as symptoms may be vague or go unnoticed initially. The prognosis can be excellent if the cancer is detected early and removed surgically.

Leading the Way in Pancreatic Cancer

SJMC Cancer & Radiosurgery Centre has been recognised for its leadership in cancer management.

This content aims to provide you with the necessary information and coping techniques to help you manage your cancer. However, this content should not be construed as medical advice. You must consult with a doctor before considering any treatment.

The staff members and doctors at the centre are dedicated to providing the best possible care for each patient and aim to enhance the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The facility also offers various support groups and other services to help ease the daily stress of living with cancer.

Common types of cancer

Pancreatic Cancer