Cancer of the Pancreas |

PC or pancreatic cancer

Normal

Abnormal

The pancreas is an elongated organ that lies transversely behind the stomach (it has a head and tail). A section of the pancreas called the exocrine pancreas secrets chemicals called enzymes into the duodenum of the stomach.

Pancreatic juices leave the pancreas via a collection of tubes called pancreatic ducts, joining juices from the gallbladder (help to digest fat) and liver, and travel to the duodenum via the common bile duct. Enzymes in pancreatic juice help break down Proteins in our food.

Most occurrences of Pancreatic Cancer originate in the ductal system, and are called adenocarcinomas.

Other parts of the pancreas produce hormones (endocrine pancreas) such as Insulin and Glucagon, which regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels and somatostatin, which regulates the release of other hormones (e.g., growth hormone). These hormones do not go to the stomach, but are directly released into the blood stream.

Cancers affecting the endocrine cells are called islet cell cancers.

Pancreatic Cancers are the 4th cause of cancer death in the United States.

By the time Pancreatic Cancer is diagnosed, it is often too late -- most patients die within 3-6 months.

Weight loss is the most common (90%) symptom

Fatigue and weakness

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea or clay-colored stool

Abdominal pain (75%)

Abdominal tenderness when touched

Indigestion -- feeling bloated and heartburn

Back pain

Yellowish discoloration of skin and whites of the eye (jaundice)

Itchiness of the skin

May feel a mass or a lump over the pancreas

May feel an enlarged gallbladder or liver

There may be fluid build up in the abdomen (ascites)

Depression

Anemia -- low blood levels are present in 60% of patients

Unknown at this time

The general physician will consult with a gasteroenterologist or digestive tract specialist (GI), cancer specialist, or oncologist, radiologist, and surgeons.
A full medical history of symptoms, risk factors, medical surgeries, illnesses, habits, and family history
Medical exam may reveal jaundice, weight loss, ascites, a mass, or enlarged liver.
The doctor will do a stool test for the presence of blood by using his index finger and inserting it in the rectum to collect small stool sample.
Blood test -- routine liver and kidney functions and a complete blood cell count (red and white cells)
Blood chemical such as Bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase, Amylase, CEA, CA 19-9, pancreatic -- oncofetal antigen, and alpha-fetal Proteins are tests that when elevated may help in diagnosing PC.
X-Rays of abdomen
Upper GI -- special X-Ray (Barium) will show a outline of the esophagus and the stomach
Ultrasound uses sound to show the structure of the pancreas
CAT scan (computers) and MRI (magnetic energy) show a more detailed picture of the pancreas.
ERCP -- done by GI. A flexible plastic camera (endoscope) is passed down the throat into the stomach and the doctor injects a dye for X-Rays. ERCP is useful in seeing the common bile and pancreatic ducts.
PTC -- is done by inserting a needle through the skin into the liver to inject dye, and X-Rays of the bile ducts are taken to see blockages.
Angiography -- done if the blood vessels supplying the pancreas need to be visualized. A dye is injected into the blood and X-Rays taken.
Biopsy -- a piece of the cancer is taken for proper identification

Biopsies can be done at the same time as the ERCP by attaching a brush to the end of the endoscope and scraping some of the cancerous tumor cells off for review.

Biopsy can also be done using a needle inserted into the pancreas while a CAT scan or Ultrasound guides the radiologist.

Biopsy is also done by surgeons using a laparoscope.

Laparotomy refers to opening the abdomen under anesthesia and examining its contents and the tumor.

Biopsies are sent to a pathologist who uses a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Not proven but suspected:

Sex -- males>females

Age -- rare under 40, but risks increases with age; average age of diagnosis is 70.

Race -- blacks and Hawaiians > whites. Low occurrence in Asians and Hispanics.

Diet -- low in vegetables and fruits, high in animal fats and meat products

Smoking

Diabetes

Occupation -- petroleum and other chemicals

Likely that there is no association between pancreatitis (swollen, irritated pancreas), coffee, or alcohol.

If the cancer is small and has not metastasized (spread) out of the pancreas, the prognosis of treatment (outcome) is favorable.

The patient is admitted to a hospital for tests and treatments

Type of treatment depends on the extent of metastasis and general health of the patient

Antacids

Insulin, if glucose levels are high

Glucose solutions, if blood sugars are low.

Painkillers such as Tylenol, Codeine, Demerol, and Morphine

Cholestyramine or other medications for severe itching

Pancreatic enzymes such as Pancrease

Medications to treat Depression may be needed.

Diet is usually as tolerated.

If losing weight, consider supplementing with high protein shakes and use of NasalGT or GT feeding (done by putting a tube into the stomach through the nose, or directly through the stomach).

TPN is giving nutrients via plastic tubing directly into the blood stream.

Surgery -- removal of a part or all of the pancreas and some of the surrounding structures is often the only choice.

Radiation -- radioactive rays can be lethal to cancer cells. Radiation may be given before surgery to shrink the cancer, or afterward to decrease the chance of the cancer cells returning. Radiation can also be useful in cases where surgery is not an option, to alleviate symptoms such as pain.

Chemotherapy -- uses cancer-killing chemicals, often given in combination with other treatments

Immunotherapy -- fights cancer by strengthening body's own defenses.

Clinical trials -- new treatments tested and researched on cancer patients

Most treatments have severe side-effects that must be considered.

Support for the family and patient

If treatments are not effective, hospice and other organizations can provide palliative or comfort care.

Contact your physician and ask about all the options for treatment. Call the Cancer Information Services at 1-800-4 CANCER to find out more about clinical trials. Keep on fighting!