Pancreatic cancer develops when pancreatic cells grow beyond control and develop into a tumor. With a 5-year survival rate of only 10%, it is the most lethal type of cancer. We will discuss the factors that cause it, the symptoms, treatment options and ways to minimize your risk of developing pancreatic carcinoma in this article.
Causes
Although the exact cause of pancreatic carcinoma is not known however, there are a variety of risk factors. Smoking cigarettes is the leading risk element, with smokers two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than people who don’t smoke. Other risk factors are obesity and age, family history, genetic mutations chronic pancreatitis, and chronic diabetes pancreatica.
Symptoms
It is not uncommon that pancreatic cancer does not present symptoms at its earliest stage. This makes it hard to identify. As the tumor expands it can cause signs such as:
Abdominal pain radiating into the back
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as you experience any of these symptoms. An early diagnosis is vital to ensure a successful treatment.
Diagnosis
Your physician might recommend multiple tests to prove that there is pancreatic cancer. The tests could involve imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound. Additionally, they may request a biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue to study.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of cancer as well as the overall health of the patient. There are three main treatment options for pancreatic cancer: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery is the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer especially when the tumor is located in the pancreas’s head. Surgery is intended to eliminate the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue. Surgery is not always possible in the case of a tumor that is within the tail or body of the pancreas.
Chemotherapy is a method of cancer treatment, uses chemicals to kill cancerous cells. It is usually used in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy is administered either orally or intravenously, and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancerous cells. The therapy is often used as a complement to chemotherapy or surgical procedures. The radiation therapy may cause inflammation of the skin and fatigue.
Reducing your risk
There is no cure for pancreatic carcinoma However, there are methods you can take to reduce your chance of developing it. They include:
Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is the best thing you can to lower your chance of developing pancreatic carcinoma.
Weight-loss maintenance that is healthy: Obesity increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Eat a healthy diet. The consumption of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can lower the chance of getting pancreatic cancer.
Limiting alcohol intake: A higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer has been associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Treatment of chronic illnesses A consultation with your doctor can reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease such as diabetes or pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer can be deadly and must be treated immediately. Consult a physician immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer. Being aware of the risks and taking actions to decrease your risk help you take control of your health and reduce your chances of developing this debilitating condition.
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