Pancreatic cancer happens when abnormal cells in the pancreas start to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The pancreas is a gland located between your stomach and spine that produces enzymes to help digest food and hormones like insulin to manage your blood sugar levels. Although not very common, this cancer makes up about 3% of all cancer cases in the U.S.
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer aren’t fully understood, but factors like smoking and obesity can raise your chances of developing it. Early detection is tough because symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss usually appear only after the tumor has significantly grown or spread beyond the pancreas. However, treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can help reduce tumor size and alleviate symptoms.
Pancreatic cancer is primarily categorized into two types based on where the tumor cells originate: exocrine and neuroendocrine. Nearly 93% of these cancers start in the exocrine cells, which are responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The most common type of exocrine tumor is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for about 95% of these cases. It begins in the exocrine cells lining the pancreatic ducts. On the other hand, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors develop from endocrine cells, or islet cells, that generate hormones like insulin and glucagon. These make up about 7% of all pancreatic tumors.
Typically, pancreatic cancer doesn’t present any symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms are often subtle and can easily resemble those of other conditions. Common signs that eventually appear include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort.
Healthy pancreatic cells turn cancerous due to DNA mutations that encourage uncontrollable growth, forming tumors. While researchers are still studying what triggers these mutations, about 10% of cases are familial, implying a genetic predisposition. Most mutations, however, occur during one’s lifetime and may be influenced by exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke or unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include lifestyle habits such as smoking, a poor diet, and exposure to certain chemicals. If you’re experiencing symptoms or are at risk, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves a physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and conducting tests to confirm the presence and stage of cancer.
During a physical examination, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and check for signs like a swollen abdomen or jaundice. If cancer is suspected, diagnostic tests will be ordered to confirm it. Once diagnosed, your healthcare team will determine the cancer stage, which indicates the tumor’s location and extent of spread using the TNM system. Your stage will guide treatment options.
Treatment options vary and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Surgery is the best option for remission in cases where the cancer is confined to the pancreas and doesn’t invade nearby blood vessels or spread elsewhere.
Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high-energy rays or particles, potentially recommended before or after surgery. It’s typically painless but can cause side effects like fatigue and skin irritation. Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, often administered intravenously or as oral medication, but can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that aid cancer cells’ survival. Your doctor might perform tests to pinpoint the best therapy for your situation. Immunotherapy boosts your immune system to better recognize and destroy cancer cells, with specific drugs targeting proteins that usually protect normal cells from immune attacks.
Though preventing pancreatic cancer entirely isn’t possible, adopting certain healthy habits could lower your risk. Managing the disease and its treatment can be challenging. Joining support groups and talking with loved ones about your experiences can provide emotional and physical support. While pancreatic cancer is aggressive, ongoing research is improving treatment options, and discussing participation in clinical trials with your healthcare team might offer opportunities to access new treatments.
