Pancreatic cancer is the most common type of cancer. It affects an organ in the abdomen located behind the lower part of the stomach that secretes enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help control blood sugar.
It is rarely detected in its early stages when it is most likely to be cured. This is because it often does not cause symptoms until after it has spread to other organs.
Pancreatic cancer treatment options are chosen based on the extent of its spread. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Arguably, part of what makes the disease so deadly is that the cancer has already spread in most people who are diagnosed. Only 13 percent of cases remain confined to their primary site, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
A survey conducted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in 2022 found that 83% of adults are unaware of the signs of the disease. Although there is no standard screening method for pancreatic cancer, experts are increasingly warning that detecting early symptoms can save lives.
jaundice
It is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and is one of the first signs, and it is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellowish-brown substance made by the liver. The liver secretes bile, a liquid that aids digestion, and contains bilirubin. When the bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin builds up, which leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes. This happens because the pancreas is close to the common bile duct in the body, so tumors press on the duct, even when It is still small and cannot be detected by scanning.
Back ache
The pain may also spread from the stomach to the back, and this pain is often localized in the middle of the back or below the shoulder bones. It may also reach the shoulders, and similar to stomach pain, this is more common when there are tumors in the pancreas or the lower part of it, and this pain also tends to worsen when lying down or immediately after eating, such as stomach pain.
sudden weight loss
Lack of appetite may be caused by a lack of functional pancreatic enzymes that help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. This can cause unintentional weight loss, which is often an indication that something is medically amiss. Malignant cells can also deplete nutrients in the body. body, which means that the patient needs more calories. If the patient does not get the necessary amount of calories, he is likely to lose weight.
