Pancreatic cancer
What is the pancreas again?
The pancreas is an organ that is situated between the stomach and the spine. The organ releases enzymes that make hormones, help with digestion, and helps control blood sugar levels.
Cancer that starts in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is common and is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Typically pancreatic cancer affects people between the ages of 65-74 years old. Because pancreatic cancer often doesn't show any symptoms, it is often found at a more advanced stage when it has spread to other parts of the body.
Are there different types?
There are two types of pancreatic cancer: pancreatic adenocarcinomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). You can read further on neuroendocrine tumors here.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer which begins in the cells that surround the ducts of the pancreas.
Who is more likely to get it?
People who may be at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer include those who
- smoke
- use tabacco
- are obese
- have a chroncally inflammed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- have a family history of either pancreatic cancer or a genetic mutation.
How can I know if I have it?
To diagnose pancreatic cancer the doctor may first take blood to test for specific proteins (tumor markers) of pancreatic cancer. One of the main tumor markers used in pancreatic cancer includes something called CA19-9, however some people with pancreatic cancer may not show an abnormal CA19-9.
The doctor will also want to do an imaging scan such as a CT, MRI or PET scan to be able to see what's going on with the pancreas and surrounding organs.
In addition to a scan, to get more images of the pancreas the doctor may also consider inserting a scope via the mouth to enter the stomach and take images.
If these images are abnormal, the doctor may take a sample of tissue from the pancreas by inserting a needle through the skin. The sample of tissue (biopsy) can be tested for pancreatic cancer cells to confirm the diagnosis.
I have it. Now what?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on if the cancer has spread. If the cancer has remained in the pancreas and nearby areas, surgery to remove the tumor. This type of surgery is classified as potentially curative.
The most common curative pancreatic cancer surgery is called a Whipple procedure. During a Whipple procedure the following parts of the body are removed: part(s) of the pancreas, intestines, lymph nodes (glands) in the area, gallbladder, bile duct and sometimes even parts of the stomach. There are also blood vessels near the pancreas that are important to the body.
If the tumor is difficult to separate from the blood vessels, a procedure called a vascular ressection can be done during the Whipple procedure as well in which the blood vessels can be effectively protected during the surgery.
What is the pancreas again?
The pancreas is an organ that is situated between the stomach and the spine. The organ releases enzymes that make hormones, help with digestion, and helps control blood sugar levels.
Cancer that starts in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is common and is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Typically pancreatic cancer affects people between the ages of 65-74 years old. Because pancreatic cancer often doesn't show any symptoms, it is often found at a more advanced stage when it has spread to other parts of the body.
Are there different types?
There are two types of pancreatic cancer: pancreatic adenocarcinomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). You can read further on neuroendocrine tumors here.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer which begins in the cells that surround the ducts of the pancreas.
Who is more likely to get it?
People who may be at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer include those who
- smoke
- use tabacco
- are obese
- have a chroncally inflammed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- have a family history of either pancreatic cancer or a genetic mutation.
How can I know if I have it?
To diagnose pancreatic cancer the doctor may first take blood to test for specific proteins (tumor markers) of pancreatic cancer. One of the main tumor markers used in pancreatic cancer includes something called CA19-9, however some people with pancreatic cancer may not show an abnormal CA19-9.
The doctor will also want to do an imaging scan such as a CT, MRI or PET scan to be able to see what's going on with the pancreas and surrounding organs.
In addition to a scan, to get more images of the pancreas the doctor may also consider inserting a scope via the mouth to enter the stomach and take images.
If these images are abnormal, the doctor may take a sample of tissue from the pancreas by inserting a needle through the skin. The sample of tissue (biopsy) can be tested for pancreatic cancer cells to confirm the diagnosis.
I have it. Now what?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on if the cancer has spread. If the cancer has remained in the pancreas and nearby areas, surgery to remove the tumor. This type of surgery is classified as potentially curative.
The most common curative pancreatic cancer surgery is called a Whipple procedure. During a Whipple procedure the following parts of the body are removed: part(s) of the pancreas, intestines, lymph nodes (glands) in the area, gallbladder, bile duct and sometimes even parts of the stomach. There are also blood vessels near the pancreas that are important to the body.
If the tumor is difficult to separate from the blood vessels, a procedure called a vascular ressection can be done during the Whipple procedure as well in which the blood vessels can be effectively protected during the surgery.
Symptom list:
Pancreatic cancer
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
