Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Pancreatic cancer

When abnormal cells start to grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, pancreatic cancer develops. The pancreas is located behind your abdomen and near the gallbladder. It is made up of glands that create important hormones, including insulin and enzymes. The pancreas can have cancerous or non-cancerous growth. When it comes to cancer, the most common pancreatic cancer occurs in the lining of the duct through which the digestive enzymes are carried out of the pancreas.

If detected at an early stage, pancreatic cancers are curable. However, it doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages, or people tend to miss out on the minute symptoms it displays. Once the cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will curate the treatment plan based on the extent of your condition.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Usually, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not still till it becomes advanced. However, a few signs that need medical intervention are;

• Pain in your abdomen that travels to your back
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight even when it was unintended
• Light-colored stools
• Dark-colored urine
• Itchy skin
• If you are suddenly diagnosed with diabetes or your existing diabetes has become too hard to control
• Blood clots
• Fatigue
• Experiencing jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Fever and chills

If cancer starts to spread and reaches some other part of the body, you may experience symptoms related to them.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience the above-mentioned symptoms recurrently and you notice unexplained health issues, it is very important to see a doctor. Neglecting will only deteriorate the condition and immediate medical intervention is always necessary.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?

Although the exact cause is still unknown, it has been identified to occur due to gene mutations that occur due to activities, such as smoking. Some of the risk factors include;

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis or chronic inflammation of the pancreas
• Family history
• Obesity
• Aging

How to Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer?

If you go to a doctor because of the symptoms you have been having, a medical examination will be conducted to see whether or not it’s pancreatic cancer and to identify the cause of the symptoms. Some of the tests that can help diagnose pancreatic cancer include;

Imaging tests: With the help of imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, your doctor will be able to take a look at your internal organs and check for any abnormalities.

Using a scope: A tube is inserted in your stomach through your esophagus to look for cancer and the extent of it

Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken for further analysis of the same

Blood test: Blood tests can be conducted where your doctor looks for a specific protein that helps detect the cancer

If the presence of cancer is confirmed, your doctor will determine the extent of it ranging from I to IV, with I being the early stages and IV the advanced.

How is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?

The treatment for cancer depends on the location of cancer and the stage of the cancer. The main criteria will be to eliminate cancer. Some of the treatment options include;

• Surgery for the tumors in the pancreatic head
• Surgery for the tumors in the pancreatic tail and body
• Surgery may be conducted to remove the entire pancreas
• Surgery for tumors can are affecting the blood vessels
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Clinical trials
• Supportive care

Remember, if you have been noticing the symptoms, don’t panic. Visit your doctor immediately and seek the necessary medical attention.