Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a medical condition in which malignant cells develop in the pancreas, an endocrine gland organ responsible for regulating blood sugar and releasing enzymes that aid in digestion. 

While considered to be a rare form of cancer, pancreatic cancer is found to be one of the most lethal because of its asymptomatic nature and quick progression. In most cases, the cancer produces no symptoms until it has already spread to other organs. 

The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only at 9%, which makes consulting a pancreatic cancer surgeon for early detection and prompt treatment crucial.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Often dubbed as a silent killer, pancreatic cancer is not usually detected until its advanced stages when it can produce symptoms such as:

• Abdominal and/or back pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Other symptoms may be present depending on whether the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs (metastasis), and which tissues and organs are affected. 

Cause and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown but doctors have pinpointed some factors that increase one’s risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

• Genetics – Medical professionals believe that pancreatic cancer is caused by an inherited gene mutation, which makes those who have a family history of pancreatic cancer at a higher risk of getting it.
• Age – In up to 80% of pancreatic cancer cases, the disease developed between the ages of 60 to 80.
• Gender – Pancreatic cancer is found to affect more men than women.

Pancreatic cancer may also be caused by acquired gene mutations, which can result from:

• diet rich in red and processed meat
• smoking
• obesity
• medical conditions such as diabetes and pancreatitis

Among these risk factors, researchers found that a combination of poor diet, diabetes and smoking can significantly increase one’s risk of pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

The recommended treatment plan for pancreatic cancer depends largely on its type and stage, as well as the overall health and preference of the patient.

In cases where the cancer is still constrained within the pancreas, pancreatic cancer surgery is advised. The most common procedures done are:

• Whipple operation (pancreaticoduodenectomy), in which the pancreas head, first part of the small intestine (duodenum), bile duct, gallbladder and sometimes a portion of the stomach are removed.
• Distal pancreatectomy, in which the tail and other portions of the pancreas, except the head, are removed.
• Total pancreatectomy, in which the whole pancreas and spleen are removed.

Pancreatic cancer surgery may be accompanied by other cancer treatments such as:

• Chemotherapy – Drugs are prescribed to kill cancer cells, which are characterized by their ability to divide and grow very rapidly. For pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy drugs are typically given intravenously and on a weekly basis.
• Radiation therapy – Radiotherapy involves the use of high levels of radiation to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. It is usually administered 5 days a week for up to 6 weeks when addressing pancreatic cancer.

For patients diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer, the treatment plan shifts its focus to palliative care to help relieve symptoms, specifically pain.