Pancreatic cancer can be described as a disease that occurs when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form the form of a tumor. It is one of the deadliest types of cancer, having the five-year survival rate being just 10 percent. We will be discussing the effects, causes as well as treatment options to decrease your chances of developing pancreatic cancer in this piece.
Causes
The exact cause of pancreatic carcinoma isn’t fully understood yet, there are numerous risk factors. Toxicology is the primary risk factor for pancreatic cancer. People who smoke are twice to three times more likely to contract cancer than people who do not. Other risk factors are being older, having a the history of family members with pancreatic cancer as well as obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and certain genetic mutations.
Symptoms
The majority of pancreatic cancers do not cause any symptoms in its initial stages, which makes it difficult to recognize. As the tumor expands it can trigger symptoms such as:
Abdominal pain radiating into the back
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.
Diagnosis
Your physician might recommend several tests to determine if there is pancreatic cancer. The tests could include imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound. It could also include a biopsy to remove tiny amounts of tissue for analysis.
Treatment
The stage and the location of pancreatic cancer along with the health of the patient overall, will determine the treatment options. In general, the treatment options comprise chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment.
Surgery is the most common treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas. Surgery is designed to eliminate the tumor along with the surrounding tissues that may contain cancer cells. Surgery isn’t always feasible when the tumor is situated in the body, or in the tail of the pancreas.
Chemotherapy is one type of cancer treatment that utilizes drugs to kill cancer cells. The treatment is typically combined with radiation therapy or surgery. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or by mouth. It may cause nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
The radiation therapy procedure is a high-energy radiation treatment which kills cancerous cells. Radiation therapy can be used alongside chemotherapy or surgical procedures. Radiation therapy can cause discomfort to the skin, nausea, fatigue and other adverse consequences.
Reducing your risk
Although there isn’t a sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, there are a number of actions you can take to lower your risk. They include:
Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is the best thing you can to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic carcinoma.
It is vital to maintain a healthy weight to lower the chance of pancreatic cancer.
Dietary health Consuming a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can help lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Limiting drinking alcohol
Control of chronic diseases The assistance of your physician can help you reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition like diabetes or pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer is a serious illness and needs to be treated quickly. If you have any indications of pancreatic cancer, then it’s important to see a doctor promptly. Through understanding the danger factors and taking steps to lower your risk, you can take control of your health and reduce the likelihood of developing this deadly disease.
For more information, click pancreatic cancer research fund