Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. It develops in a pancreatic gland which is present in the stomach. Pancreas play an important role in the body which breaks down the food in the form of energy, so the body can absorb it.

This gland is situated in the lower abdomen which controls the level of sugar in the blood. When there is a growth of abnormal cells in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. It is due to the mutation in this gland which turns normal cells into cancerous cells in the body.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is considered the 12th most common type of cancer in the world. More than 5 lakhs people are dealing with this cancer and they are also seeking some effective pancreatic cancer treatment in India. Its treatment depends on various factors, so before starting the treatment, individuals should know about its type, sign, symptoms and diagnosis.

Types Pancreatic Cancer

There are several pancreatic cancer types, more than 90% of all diagnoses are for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer types are divided into two larger categories; exocrine pancreatic cancer and  neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. Each category has several cancer types that may vary in their symptoms and prognosis.

1) Exocrine Tumor

When exocrine cells grow fast in an uncontrollable manner, then, it causes exocrine pancreatic cancer. This cell produces digestive enzymes. In the research, it is found that it is a common type and 95% of pancreatic cancer are exocrine tumors.

2) Neuroendocrine Tumor

It is not a very common type of tumor. It affects glucose producing hormone which is known as islet cells that control the level of blood sugar.

Symptoms Of  Pancreatic Cancer

There are some symptoms which can be experienced by a person, however, these cannot be detected in an early stage.

• Unexpected weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Itching
• Digestive problem like light-colored stools
• Painful swelling in the legs and arms
• Yellowing of the skin
• Fatigue
• Dark colored urine

Risk Factors That Cause Pancreatic Cancer

The reason for pancreatic cancer is not fully known yet. However, there are many factors which can pose threat to cause this type of cancer in persons which are as follows:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Particular type of food, like processed meat
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Harmful effect of radiation and chemicals
• Adults who are above 60 years old
• Excessive body fat
• Swelling of pancreas
• Poor diet and lifestyle
• Genetic factors like heredity pancreatitis and family history

Diagnostic Tests

It is possible to detect this cancer but not in an early stage because it does not show any symptoms until it reaches its advanced stage. However, there are some tests that are advised to a patient.

• Biopsy
• MRI
• Genetic testing
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• Blood test
• Positron Emission Tomography Scan
• Biomarker testing

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment In India

It can be treated after running some diagnostic tests and it is also important to know its severity by identifying its stage.

There are the following stages in this type of tumor which are mentioned below:-

Stage I: At this stage, it affect only the lining of the pancreas.

Stage II: Now it starts to spread to nearby structures like bile ducts except the lymph.

Stage III: In this stage, it reaches to the sites of the lymph nodes.

Stage IV: It is a more advanced stage in which cancer can infect other organs of the body, such as the liver, abdomen and lungs.

There are various types of treatment available which will help individuals to overcome the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. This can improve their quality of life.

a) Surgery

This can be considered as an option, if this cancer is detected in an early stage. It is because other organs are not affected, so cancerous cells from pancreas can be taken out through surgery. This operation will remove its nearby blood vessels, body & tail and its head.

b) Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment as suggested by the oncologists before or after surgery. Chemotherapy goes through heavy medication like Gemcitabine, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, etc.  This type of medicine can be given orally or intravenously. This leads to the death of cancerous cells inside the pancreas and prevents them from spreading in other parts of the body.

c) Radiation Therapy

In this treatment, a high energetic form of radiation is used to remove cancer cells, it includes Proton, X-rays etc. It can be used before or after surgery and even it can be combined with chemotherapy.

d) Chemoradiation Therapy

When operation is not possible then combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be considered as first line treatment.

e) Targeted Therapy

A particular type of drug is used to target only cancer cells without harming healthy cells in the body.

f) Immunotherapy

Cancer attacks on a person’s weak immune system, so the immunotherapy helps to prepare the immune system to fight against cancer in the pancreas.

g) Palliative Care

A specialized medical team helps cancer patients to cope up with this life threatening disease. They help in many ways like reducing its complications and minimizing its symptoms. All this effort of these experts will help to improve an individual’s quality of life.