Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is one of the most important organs of the digestive system. The digestive enzymes it produces empties the duodenum through small channels. These enzymes help digest food that passes into the intestine after it is broken down in the stomach. It is also the most important organ that regulates blood sugar by secreting insulin. Pancreatic cancer usually originates from the cells of small ducts where these enzymes are drained, sometimes from the cells of the pancreas itself. These cells within the pancreas suddenly start to multiply uncontrollably and turn into a tumor.

What causes pancreatic cancer? What are the risk factors?

It is more common in people over the age of 60 and in men. However, the incidence at younger ages is also increasing day by day. Although the cause is not clear, risk factors include smoking, dieting with high fatty foods, alcohol use, diabetes, obesity and high coffee consumption. These reasons I have mentioned are also risk factors for pancreatitis, which means inflammation of the pancreatic gland. Cancer development is relatively easier in patients with long-term pancreatitis. In recent studies, it has been shown that genetic factors are also associated with pancreatic cancer.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Indigestion may present with pain radiating from the stomach to the back, rapid weight loss and jaundice. Sometimes, new onset diabetes can be seen in tumors involving the body and tail of the pancreas, although there is no family diabetes. Rarely, a palpable mass in the stomach area, just below the rib cage, can be detected in the midline. Since the pancreas is located in an area where the nerves pass intensely in the body, there is very severe pain that hits the back in both pancreatitis and cancer.

How is it diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer should definitely be kept in mind in patients presenting with complaints such as pain, jaundice, and weight loss. High detection of bilirubin showing jaundice in blood tests and CEA and CA 19-9, the tumor markers indicating pancreatic cancer, suggests pancreatic cancer. The mass can be revealed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis is confirmed by examinations called MRI and ERCP, which show the bile ducts, and the pancreas and bile duct are visualized with endoscopy.

How to treat?

The actual treatment of pancreatic cancer is surgery, but only 20-25% of patients can be caught in the operable period. Therefore, when the diagnosis is made, the tests should be completed quickly, and surgery should be performed if the patient is suitable. Chemotherapy and, if appropriate, radiotherapy are added to surgical treatment. In cases where the patient is not suitable for surgery, supportive treatment is performed with chemotherapy.

Which organs does pancreatic cancer spread to?

Pancreatic cancer is one of the tumors with an aggressive course. It often spreads to the lymph nodes around the pancreas, liver and lungs. Important vessels pass right next to the pancreas. Spread to the vessels in this area can also be observed.

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