Pancreatic Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. The pancreas itself is a retroperitoneal organ in the form of a gland with a length of about 15–20 cm and a weight of about 75–100 grams. There are three main parts of the pancreas, namely the head of the pancreas, the body of the pancreas and the tail of the pancreas.
This organ functions to help digest food and produce various kinds of hormones needed by the body. One of them is insulin which works to control blood sugar levels
This cancer is more common in men than women (1.5:1). Those who are over 45 years of age are more susceptible because it is known that people with this cancer are commonly found in that age range.
Symptom
In its early stages, pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms. Symptoms usually arise if there has been a blockage in the outlet of the biliary fluid and causes pain in the patient.
Symptoms that patients generally complain of are:
- Stomach ache
- Weight loss
- Body turns yellow
- Anorexia
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Courvoisier’s sign, an enlarged gallbladder that is palpable on physical examination
- Trousseau’s syndrome, thrombophlebitis
Reason
The cause of pancreatic cancer is still unclear. However, there are several external factors that are thought to trigger pancreatic cancer – such as smoking, obesity, diet, and alcohol consumption. In addition, genetic factors also play a role in the occurrence of pancreatic cancer.
The most common abnormality is the K-ras mutation which is observed in 60–75% of pancreatic cancers. Inactivation of the p16 gene is also observed in 80–95% of sporadic pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Diabetes that has been diagnosed for two years can increase the risk by two times the incidence of pancreatic cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer requires a combination of a medical interview, physical examination, and investigations. Because the symptoms are vague and sometimes not recognized at an early stage, early detection of pancreatic cancer is difficult.
Clinical symptoms that support the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer are abdominal pain, body turns yellow, and weight loss. Investigations needed to diagnose pancreatic cancer include:
- Laboratory. An increase in bilirubin indicates an obstruction to the outflow of bile. Increased tumor markers CEA and Ca 19-9.
- Radiology. Ultrasound examination, abdominal CT scan and MRI examination.
- Endoscope. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreaticography (ERCP), are diagnostic and therapeutic steps for pancreatic cancer with bile duct obstruction. This examination can also be done to obtain tissue samples for pathological examination.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatic cancer is in the form of tumor recession surgery. However, surgical removal of the tumor can only be performed in early stages of cancer. In advanced pancreatic cancer, where surgery cannot be performed, palliative therapy is used to reduce symptoms. If there is an obstruction to the flow of bile, a stent can be placed to drain bile.
Surgical therapy can still be considered, especially in cases with gastric outlet obstruction. Management of pancreatic cancer requires multi-disciplinary collaboration in a team of doctors involving internal medicine doctors ( gastroenterologists) , digestive surgeons, radiology, and anatomical pathologists.
Prevention
There is no However, a healthy lifestyle is recommended to maintain overall body health. Starting from eating healthy with lots of vegetables and fruit, maintaining an ideal body weight, and avoiding smoking.