pancreatic cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland located deep in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine [3]. It begins when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and divide out of control and form a tumor [1].

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are several types of pancreatic cancer, including:

• Pancreatic ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, which arises from the pancreatic duct cells [5].
• Ampullary cancer: This type of cancer starts in the ampulla of Vater, where the bile duct and pancreatic duct come together and empty into the small intestine [2].
• Adenocarcinoma: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the ducts in the pancreas [7].

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this disease. These include:

• Age: People between the ages of 65 and 74 are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer [10].
• Diabetes: Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer [10].

Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer symptoms can include nausea, bloating, fatigue, jaundice, and lack of appetite [4]. However, these symptoms are often not present in the early stages of the disease.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy [4]. Unfortunately, the overall survival rate for this disease is low, with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 5% to 15% in the United States [5].

References:

[1] - Context result 3 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7

Common Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until the disease is advanced, making early diagnosis challenging. However, there are several common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back: This is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer (1).
• Loss of appetite: As the tumor grows, it can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss (4).
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss is another common symptom, often accompanied by loss of appetite (4).
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice: Jaundice is one of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer, caused by a tumor blocking the bile duct (13).
• Light-colored or floating stools: Changes in stool color or consistency can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer (5).
• Dark urine: As the body tries to eliminate excess bilirubin, urine may become darker (5).

Additionally, some people with pancreatic cancer may experience:

• Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes due to the tumor destroying insulin-making cells in the pancreas (2).
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur as the tumor grows and puts pressure on surrounding organs (12).
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom, often accompanied by other signs of pancreatic cancer (8).

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

1. Symptoms. Pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until the disease is advanced.
2. Pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) because the tumor destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas.
3. Learn about the common signs of pancreatic cancer, such as stomach and back pain, jaundice, weight loss, and diabetes.
4. Pancreatic cancer symptoms include pain, weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, change in stool, pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes.
5. The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include indigestion, pain in your tummy or back, changes to your poo, losing weight without meaning to, and jaundice ...
6. Jun 19, 2024 — The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in your abdomen or back, weight loss and jaundice.
7. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the tummy or back, yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice), and weight loss.
8. Learn about the early and late signs of pancreatic cancer, whether it starts in exocrine or endocrine cells. Find out how jaundice, fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms can help you detect this disease.
9. Learn about the common signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice, weight loss, and stomach pain. Find out the risk factors, screening recommendations, and how to get a diagnosis.
10. Learn about 14 of the most common pancreatic cancer symptoms, including pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice. Also discover related conditions, such as diabetes.
11. Pancreatic cancer symptoms include nausea, bloating, fatigue, jaundice and lack of appetite. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. ... Unfortunately, there aren’t any early signs of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms typically emerge once the tumor starts impacting other organs in your digestive system.
12. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Jaundice (yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes) Jaundice is one of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is already at an advanced stage when there are signs of jaundice. Tumors that start in the head of the pancreas are near the common bile duct. You will have symptoms if the duct gets ...
13. Learn about the common and less common signs of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice, weight loss, digestion problems and pain. Find out when to see a GP or get urgent help from NHS 111.

Diagnostic Tests for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer diagnosis involves various tests to confirm the presence of cancer in the pancreas. The diagnostic process typically includes a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and tissue sampling.

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues.
• CT Scans: Computed tomography scans use X-rays to produce detailed images of the pancreas and nearby organs.
• MRI Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues.
• PET Scans: Positron emission tomography scans use a small amount of radioactive material to detect cancer cells in the pancreas.

Blood Tests

• Liver Function Tests: Measure blood levels of bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver. Elevated levels can indicate a tumor blocking the bile duct.
• Tumor Marker Blood Test: Measures levels of CA 19-9, a protein produced by pancreatic cancer cells. However, not all pancreatic cancers produce this marker, and other conditions can also cause elevated levels.

Other Diagnostic Techniques

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): A test that uses an endoscope with ultrasound to create images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues.
• Biopsy: A procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from the pancreas for examination under a microscope. This is the most definitive way to diagnose pancreatic cancer.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurately diagnosing pancreatic cancer often requires a combination of these tests, as well as a thorough medical history and physical exam. Pancreatic cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers in the United States, with about 66,440 people expected to be diagnosed in 2024 (ACS).

Sources:

• [1] Imaging tests might be done for many reasons both before and after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, including looking for suspicious areas that might be cancer.
• [2] Imaging tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer include ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, and sometimes PET scans.
• [3] Several diagnostic techniques, including imaging tests and blood tests, may be performed to determine if there is a tumor in the pancreas.
• [4] Pancreatic cancer symptoms are not always obvious and usually develop late in the disease process.
• [5] Blood tests can be an important part of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Note: The above information is based on the search results provided within the context.

Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer treatment options depend on the extent of disease and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, chemoradiation, and supportive care [13]. The goal of treatment is to get rid of the cancer when possible or improve quality of life and prevent further harm [13].

Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer

Chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells and is one of the main treatments for pancreatic cancer [7][8]. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation, or supportive care.

• Gemcitabine: Gemzar (gemcitabine) was approved in 1996 for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer and is still used today [14].
• FOLFIRINOX: FOLFIRINOX is a chemotherapy treatment that combines oxaliplatin, folinic acid, irinotecan, and fluorouracil (5FU) [5][6]. It has been approved for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
• NALIRIFOX: NALIRIFOX is another chemotherapy treatment that combines liposomal irinotecan, 5-FU/leucovorin, and oxaliplatin. It has been approved for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer in patients who have not had any other treatment [11].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy, other treatment options for pancreatic cancer may include:

• Surgery: Surgery is sometimes used for localized pancreatic cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery.

Common Chemotherapy Drugs Used in Pancreatic Cancer

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer include:

• Gemcitabine
• Nab-paclitaxel
• FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin, folinic acid, irinotecan, and fluorouracil)
• NALIRIFOX (liposomal irinotecan, 5-FU/leucovorin, and oxaliplatin)

References: [13] Drugs.com [7][8] Context search results [14] Context search results

Differential Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic carcinoma, can be challenging to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms and the complexity of differential diagnosis. The following conditions are often considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer:

• Acute pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to scarring and damage to the organ.
• Cholangitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts that can cause jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that can cause right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice.
• Choledochal cyst: A congenital anomaly of the bile ducts that can cause jaundice, abdominal pain, and pancreatitis.
• Peptic ulcer disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer of the bile ducts that can cause jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

According to [10], at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, 52% have distant metastasis, and 23% have local spread. The differential diagnosis before imaging and biopsy includes the following:

• Acute pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to scarring and damage to the organ.
• Cholangitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts that can cause jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that can cause right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice.

It is essential to consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. [1][10]

References:

[1] Pancreatic cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Risk factors include family history, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus ...

[10] Differential Diagnosis. Typically, at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, 52% have distant metastasis, and 23% have local spread.