What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that produces insulin and other hormones. Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease, and it is often difficult to treat because it is often not diagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body.
Types of pancreatic cancer
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It starts in the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce digestive enzymes.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: These tumors start in the endocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce hormones.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Abdominal pain: This pain is often in the upper abdomen and may be worse after eating.
- Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may be caused by a blockage of the bile duct.
- Changes in bowel habits: These changes may include diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool.
- Fatigue: This is a feeling of tiredness or weakness.
Causes of pancreatic cancer
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood. However, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:
- Age: Pancreatic cancer is more common in older people.
- Family history: If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, you are more likely to develop the disease.
- Genetics: Some people are born with genes that make them more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
- Diet: A diet that is high in fat and processed foods can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of pancreatic cancer.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
If you have any concerns about your health, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. If these tests suggest pancreatic cancer, you may need to have a biopsy, which is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue for testing.
Treatments for pancreatic cancer
The treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the type, stage, and size of the cancer. Treatment options for pancreatic cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for pancreatic cancer. The type of surgery that you have will depend on the size and location of the cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have spread.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
Risks of pancreatic cancer treatment
The risks of pancreatic cancer treatment vary depending on the type of treatment. Some common risks of pancreatic cancer treatment include:
- Side effects: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.
- Infection: Cancer treatment can weaken the immune system, making you more likely to get infections.
- Second cancer: Cancer treatment can increase your risk of developing another type of cancer.
Recovery from pancreatic cancer treatment
The recovery time from pancreatic cancer treatment varies depending on the type of treatment. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks or months.
The success rate of pancreatic cancer treatment
The success rate of pancreatic cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and size of the cancer. However, the overall success rate for pancreatic cancer is low, especially if the cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Cost of pancreatic cancer treatment in India
The cost of pancreatic cancer treatment in India varies depending on the type of treatment, the hospital, and the city. However, pancreatic cancer treatment is generally more affordable in India than in other countries.