What is Pancreatic Cancer? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, following lung and colorectal cancer. In 2024, 66,440 Americans were diagnosed with the illness and approx 51,750 succumbed to it.

While pancreatic cancer is less common in India than in Western countries, raising awareness and adopting preventive measures are crucial. This blog will discuss the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and other important aspects of pancreatic cancer.

What is Pancreatic Cancer ?

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation.

It often develops in the pancreatic ducts which transport digestive enzymes to the small intestine. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma starts in the duct lining cells leading to uncontrollable growth.

Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer often goes unnoticed in the early stage as the symptoms emerge after the tumor starts impacting other organs in your digestive symptom. Some of the common symptoms of the disease include;

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Light-coloured stool
• Jaundice
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Dark-coloured urine.
• Abdominal pain spreading to the sides and back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Newly diagnosed diabetes or existing diabetes which is getting difficult to control

Note: Pancreatic cancer grows into the first part of the intestine, called the duodenum. This further blocks the flow of digested food from the stomach into the intestines.

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

The causes of pancreatic cancer aren’t well established. However, doctors have found some risk factors that can increase that can make you more prone to developing this disease. Let’s discuss them in the below section;

Risk Factors

Some of the common factors that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer include;

• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking cigarettes and consuming other forms of tobacco
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Senior citizens exceeding 65 years of age
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas
• Exposure to certain chemicals such as pesticides and petrochemicals
• Hereditary syndromes with changes in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes from biological parents to child.

Diagnostic Tests of Pancreatic Cancer

Accurate diagnosis goes a long way in deciding effective treatment for pancreatic cancer. To identify the disease at an early stage, healthcare providers rely on numerous diagnostic tests, some commonly used ones include;

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are scans that take pictures of the inside of your body, helping doctors recognise tumours or abnormalities in the pancreas. Examples of imaging tests include ultrasound, CT scans and MRI. These scans help doctors determine the size, location and spread of cancer, easing the diagnosis and treatment process.

Blood Tests

Blood tests help detect pancreatic cancer by checking for specific substances in the blood. High levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 (a type of protein released by pancreatic cancer cells) in the blood might indicate a tumor. While blood tests alone can’t confirm cancer, they help doctors monitor the progress of treatment and detect recurrence.

Genetic Testing

This method uses your blood sample or saliva to spot inherited DNA changes that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. It helps in identifying individuals with a higher genetic inclination towards the disease, especially those with a family history.

Biopsy

This type of test involves taking a small tissue sample from the pancreas to check for cancer cells. It is usually conducted using a thin needle or a special tool with a camera. The collected sample is then examined under the microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

>>Know More: How Counselling Can Help You Get Through Cancer

Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

The type of pancreatic cancer treatment you undergo depends on numerous factors including the exact location of the tumour, its stage, your overall health and whether the tumour has spread beyond your pancreas or not. After considering these factors, your doctor might suggest these treatments;

Surgery

Surgery is one of the primary approaches to treating cancer especially if it gets detected at an early stage and hasn’t spread to other body parts. It is only recommended by doctors when they think they can completely remove the cancer from the pancreas. Here are some surgical procedures that they follow depending on the size and location of the tumour;

Whipple Procedure

This procedure is recommended when the tumour is present in the head of your pancreas. It is followed by surgical removal of the head of your pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, a portion of your bile duct and surrounding lymph nodes. The remaining digestive organs are then reconnected to ensure food can still pass through the system.

Note: It is a complex but effective procedure that enhances the survival chances if the cancer hasn’t spread to other body parts.

Distal Pancreatectomy

This procedure is conducted when the tumour is located in the tail of your pancreas.During this, the surgeon removes the tail of your pancreas and some parts of your pancreatic body. In some cases, even your spleen is removed due to its close connection with your pancreatic body. It is usually performed for localised tumours which haven’t spread.

Note: After spleen removal surgery, patients may need vaccinations and monitoring for blood-related issues.

Total Pancreatectomy

This type of procedure is recommended when the tumour has spread throughout your entire pancreas, but there are still chances of its removal. During this procedure, your entire pancreas, gallbladder, spleen and part of your stomach and small intestine are removed.

Chemotherapy

This type of cancer treatment uses powerful drugs to eradicate cancer cells and stop them from growing further. They can be taken orally or intravenously and are usually given before surgery to reduce the tumour’s size or after surgery to destroy the remaining cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in the pancreas. It is recommended before surgery, and post-surgery as a part of your major cancer treatment. In some cases, it helps in relieving pain and slowing cancer growth when surgery isn’t an option.

Targeted Therapy

This type of treatment uses drugs that attack certain proteins responsible for the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs work differently than chemotherapy as they specifically target cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. It is often used in cases where cancer has specific genetic mutations.

Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer

Although there are no proven ways of preventing pancreatic cancer, there are certain practices you can follow to limit your risk of developing the disease. These practices include;

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Consume fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Reduce the intake of red meat, sugary drinks and processed foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit your exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and petrochemicals

Going Beyond Treatment : Securing your Health and Future

Pancreatic cancer is a life-threatening condition that requires early detection and proper care. While medical advancements have improved the outcomes and offer hope for a better future, bearing the expenses of cancer can be financially as well as emotionally draining.

From diagnostic tests to advanced treatments, managing cancer costs without financial coverage can be challenging. Having a reliable cancer medicalim insurance by your side can take the burden off your shoulders and let you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about the hefty medical bills. Take a step towards securing the health of you and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: Please verify the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.