Pancreas
Pancreas is an organ in the human body that is located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is a gland that secretes digestive juices and hormones. It is a vital part of the digestive system that helps in digestion. It also functions to regulates blood sugar. Any disorders or malfunctioning of the Pancreas can lead to serious health issues.
Pancreas is an organ that has both exocrine and endocrine glands, that differ in its functions. The exocrine gland in the pancreas produces digestive enzymes whereas the endocrine gland secretes insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of blood sugar.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops when the cells in the pancreas begin to grow out of control and forms a growth, tumor. The cancer cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Pancreatic cancer affects the functions of the pancreas and other organs nearby. It is slightly more common in men than in women
There are many types of pancreatic cancer but mainly it is classified into two – Exocrine tumors and Endocrine tumors. Exocrine tumors or cancers are the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
Adenocarcinoma, a type of exocrine pancreatic cancer is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It usually starts in the ducts of pancreas that carry the digestive enzymes. Some rarer types of exocrine pancreatic tumors include acinar cell carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, colloid carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours or endocrine pancreatic cancers are less common than exocrine pancreatic cancers. The two classifications of pancreatic cancers have different symptoms and risk factors.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
In the early stages, pancreatic cancers are less symptomatic or there will be no symptoms.
Some of the common symptoms seen are
- Weakness
- Skin Rashes
- Abdominal Pain
- Weight loss
- Indigestion
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Jaundice
- Dark Urine
- Diarrhoea or Constipation
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
The causes of pancreatic cancer is not yet clear. But the risk factors include
- Smoking
- Chronic Pancreatitis, non-functioning of pancreas due to any damage.
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Genetics – a family history of cancer syndrome
- Age – the risk increases with age.
- Excessive intake of alcohol
Prevention
These are some of the preventive measures that reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer
- Quit Smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet – Increase healthy grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet, Have a well-balanced diet. Have regular exercise
Treatment
Screening of pancreatic cancer is important. Several methods available now to detect pancreatic cancer. Ultrasound scan, CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) are some of the imaging techniques available to localize the tumor. A series of diagnostic tests may be required to detect the disease.
The treatment of pancreatic cancer may include
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy – It use high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgery – The tumors are removed from the pancreas using surgery.
- A combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery
- Immunotherapy – A procedure to increase the immunity of the body to fight the cancer.
As reported by ICMR, Indian Council of Medical Research, pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world and in India, the incidence rates of pancreatic cancer are low compared to western countries.
Pancreatic cancer is a less common cancer but if affected and undetected, it can lead to death. Early detection of the disease is an important factor.