(No subject)

[Guest guest]

Pancreatic Cancer

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the US,

according to the American Cancer Society. The majority of pancreatic cancer

occurs in people 50 years of age or older.

There are several types of pancreatic cancers, including the following:

a.. adenocarcinoma of the pancreas - the most common pancreatic cancer, which

occurs in the lining of the pancreatic duct.

b.. cystadenocarcinoma - a rare pancreatic cancer.

c.. acinar cell carcinoma - a rare pancreatic cancer.

Some benign (non-cancerous) tumors in the pancreas include the following:

a.. insulinoma - a rare pancreatic tumor that secretes insulin, the hormone

that lowers glucose levels in the blood.

b.. gastrinoma - a tumor that secretes above average levels of gastrin, a

hormone which stimulates the stomach to secrete acids and enzymes. Gastrinoma

can cause peptic ulcers.

c.. glucagonoma - a tumor that secretes glucagon, a hormone which raises

levels of glucose in the blood, leading to a rash.

What is a risk factor?

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of

developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family

history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have

different risk factors.

Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not

necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never

develop the disease, while others develop disease and have no known risk

factors.

But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into

the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically

monitored for the disease.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

While there are no known causes of pancreatic cancer, there are known risk

factors. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include the following:

a.. diabetes

b.. cigarette smoking

c.. chronic pancreatitis

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. However, each

individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

a.. pain in the upper abdomen

b.. poor appetite

c.. jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.

d.. weight loss

e.. indigestion

f.. nausea

g.. vomiting

h.. diarrhea

i.. fatigue

j.. itching

k.. enlarged abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, and gallbladder

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may resemble other medical conditions or

problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic

procedures for pancreatic cancer may include the following:

a.. ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique

which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs of the abdomen such as the liver

spleen, and kidneys and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

b.. computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure

using a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional

images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A

CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones,

muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

c.. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a

combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce

detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

d.. endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - a procedure that

allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder,

bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray and the use of an

endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is guided through the

patient's mouth and throat, then through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The physician can examine the inside of these organs and detect any

abnormalities. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a dye is injected

which will allow the internal organs to appear on an x-ray.

e.. percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) - a needle is introduced

through the skin and into the liver where the dye (contrast) is deposited and

the bile duct structures can be viewed by x-ray.

f.. pancreas biopsy - a procedure in which a sample of pancreatic tissue is

removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a

microscope.

g.. special blood tests

Treatment for pancreatic cancer:

Specific treatment for pancreatic cancer will be determined by your physician

based on:

a.. your age, overall health, and medical history

b.. extent of the disease

c.. type of cancer

d.. your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

e.. expectations for the course of the disease

f.. your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

a.. surgery

Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor - a section or entire pancreas

and/or the small intestine.

b.. radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.

c.. chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.

d.. medication

Medication to control pain and/or to treat itching.

e.. oral enzyme preparations

f.. insulin treatment

Long-term prognosis for individuals with pancreatic cancer depends on the size

of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and degree of metastases (spreading) at

the time of diagnosis.

I hope this finds you and yours well

Mark E. Armstrong

casca@...

www.top5plus5.com

PAI NW Rep

ICQ #59196115