Pancreatic Cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when the cells in the pancreas go out of control and grow into an actual tumor. This is among the most deadly forms of cancer, with survival rates of 10 percent after 5 years. This article will explain the signs, causes, and treatment options, as well as methods to decrease your risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
The Reasons
The nature of the pancreas-related disease is unknown, a variety of risk factors have been recognized. The most important risk factor is smoking. Smokers are two to three times more likely than non-smokers develop pancreatic carcinoma. Other risk factors include age, the history of family members with pancreatic cancer as well as obesity, chronic pancreatitis and certain genetic mutations.
Signs and symptoms
It is common for pancreatic cancer to not exhibit symptoms in its initial stages. It is this makes it difficult to detect. It can trigger symptoms like:
Abdominal pain radiating into the back
Weight loss and loss in appetite
Jaundice refers to a yellowing or fading of the skin and eyes.
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
It is vital to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of these signs. Early diagnosis is crucial for the success of treatment.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects there is pancreatic cancer in your body, they may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis. You may need to have imaging tests like CT scans as well as MRI scans, as well as the procedure of taking a small amount of tissue for analysis.
Treatment
The stage and the location of pancreatic cancer with the health of the patient overall, will determine the treatment options. In general, the treatment options comprise chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Surgery is the most popular treatment for pancreatic cancer particularly if the tumor is located within the head of the pancreas. The purpose of surgery is the removal of the cancerous tissue and any surrounding tissue that might contain cancer cells. If the tumor is located in the body , or in the tail of the pancreas, then surgery might not be feasible.
Chemotherapy uses chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually used in conjunction with radiation therapy and surgical procedures. Chemotherapy can be administered orally via intravenously. It may cause adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Radiation therapy is a high-energy radiation therapy which kills cancerous cells. Radiation therapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery. It can also trigger skin irritation and fatigue.
Reducing your risk
While there is no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, there are a number of actions you can take to reduce your risk. These include:
Quitting smoking: If smoke, quitting smoking is the most crucial thing you can do to decrease the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Weight maintenance for healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Eat a healthy diet. Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods can lower your chances of getting pancreatic cancer.
Limiting alcohol consumption: A higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer has been associated with drinking a lot of alcohol.
Treatment of chronic illnesses: Working with your doctor will help reduce the chance of developing a chronic condition like diabetes or pancreatitis.
Pancreatic Cancer is a grave condition that requires aggressive treatment and early detection. You should see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Knowing the risk factors and taking measures to lower your risk will help you manage your own health and decrease your chance of developing this debilitating condition.
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