They are malignant tumors that form in the cells of the pancreas. They usually show symptoms late. Abdominal pain, weight loss and jaundice are common symptoms. Early diagnosis is difficult, so treatment may begin late. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used in treatment. Smoking and genetic factors increase the risk. Regular check-ups are important for early diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer, is a serious disease.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
It usually causes pain in the abdomen. This pain often radiates to the back and may get worse after eating. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes may occur due to the tumor blocking the bile duct. This may be accompanied by dark urine and light-colored stools. Pancreatic cancer Sudden loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss are common symptoms in people with diabetes.
The pancreas' inability to secrete enough digestive enzymes can lead to oily and foul-smelling stools, bloating, and indigestion. Blockage in the bile ducts can cause itchy skin. There can be a significant decrease in overall energy levels and a constant feeling of fatigue. In some cases, it can cause sudden fluctuations in blood sugar, causing symptoms similar to diabetes. The tumor's pressure on the digestive system can cause nausea and vomiting. If any of these symptoms persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted. Pancreatic cancer Regular health checks are of great importance for early diagnosis.
What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
The risk increases in individuals with a family history of this condition. Certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA2) are associated with this cancer. Some inherited diseases, such as Lynch syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, may increase the risk. Pancreatic cancer It is usually more common in individuals aged 60 and over. The risk is slightly higher in men than in women. Smoking is one of the most important environmental risk factors. The risk of this type of cancer is 2-3 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Obesity may increase the risk. Excessive consumption of fatty and processed foods may increase the risk.
Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis) may increase the risk of developing cancer. This relationship is especially evident in individuals who smoke. Diabetes is another important factor that can increase the risk. Especially new-onset diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes can be one of the early symptoms. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (alcoholic pancreatitis), which can also increase the risk. The risk may increase in individuals exposed to pesticides, dyes and heavy metals. Pancreatic cancer Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important to reduce the risk. Understanding risk factors is vital for early diagnosis and prevention.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?
Surgery is one of the most effective methods of treatment. However, this method is usually only suitable for cases detected in the early stages. If the tumor is in the head of the pancreas, a portion of the pancreas, the beginning of the small intestine, the gallbladder and part of the stomach can be removed. Distal pancreatectomy involves removing the tumor in the tail of the pancreas and usually the spleen. Total pancreatectomy is a procedure that requires the entire pancreas to be removed. However, it is rarely preferred.
Since surgery is usually a major operation, it requires good care before and after the procedure. Chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer It is a drug treatment used to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with radiotherapy. It is usually preferred in metastatic cases to shrink tumors. Some common drugs used include gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Radiotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells with high-energy rays. It can be used to shrink tumors before surgery or to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. The effectiveness of the treatment can be increased by combining it with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. It can be especially effective in cases with high microsatellite instability (MSI). Research continues as a new treatment method. Supportive treatment is used to manage pain, loss of appetite, and digestive problems that accompany cancer. Nerve blocks or painkillers are used. Pancreatic enzyme supplements may be given to aid digestion. Pancreatic cancer Clinical studies are being conducted to develop new methods for the treatment of
