Cancer originating in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Depending on which part of the pancreas is affected, symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes). Pain usually centers in the upper abdomen and may penetrate to the back. However, when cancer occurs in the head of the pancreas, there may be no pain. Other symptoms usually are not apparent until the cancer has advanced to an incurable stage.
A cancerous growth located in the pancreas. Typically, these tumors develop within the exocrine tissue, which plays a role in producing digestive enzymes. In some instances, they may also originate from components of the endocrine system or emerge from the ampulla of Vater—the meeting point of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains uncertain, but factors like smoking, chronic pancreatitis, and excessive alcohol consumption might play a contributory role.
Indications of pancreatic cancer encompass pain in the upper abdomen, which may extend to the back, diminished appetite, weight loss, and potential jaundice (yellowing of the skin) if the tumor blocks the bile ducts. Additionally, diabetes mellitus might emerge. Other possible effects include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. Frequently, symptoms remain concealed until the cancer has advanced, usually spreading to the liver and abdominal lymph nodes.
Typically, the diagnosis necessitates ultrasound scanning, CT scanning, or MRI of the upper abdomen. Alternatively, an ERCP (endoscopic examination of the pancreatic ducts) might be employed.
During the initial phases, Whipple’s operation (surgical removal of cancerous tissue), radiotherapy, and anti-cancer medications hold potential for a cure. As the disease advances, options become limited, and palliative care becomes the main focus. This may involve pain management, performing a bypass surgery to address duodenal obstruction, or placing a stent (rigid tube) to alleviate jaundice. Unfortunately, for the majority of individuals with advanced pancreatic cancer, survival beyond one year is uncommon.