Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal
cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant
cells. Pancreatic cancer has gained attention from the diagnoses
of several prominent figures, including Apple co-founder Steve
Jobs, who was diagnosed in 2003 and died Oct. 5, 2011. Jobs
had an islet cell neuroendocrine tumor, a rare form of the
disease. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and
actor Patrick Swayze have also faced pancreatic cancer. Swayze
died in 2009. The lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer is about
1 in 71.
What and where is the Pancreas?
“The Pancreas is about 6
inches long and located across the back of the abdomen, behind
the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side
of the abdomen and is connected to the duodenum (the first
section of the small intestine) through a small tube called
the pancreatic duct. The narrow end of the pancreas called
the tail extends to the left side of the body.
Pancreas is a gland organ in the
digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both
an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including
insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as an exocrine
gland secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes
that pass to the small intestine. These enzymes help in the
further breakdown of the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in
the chime (a semi solid mass of food).
Exocrine glands are the glands
that secrete their products into ducts; these are the counterparts
to endocrine glands, which secrete their products directly
into the bloodstream.
Nature of Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic Cancer is difficult to detect early and kills most
patients within six months of diagnosis. United States accounts
for nearly 40,000 pancreatic cancer deaths in a year. The
pancreas has many different types of cells, each of which
can give rise to a different type of tumor (cancer growth).
The most common type arises from the cells that line the pancreatic
duct. These cells are usually few and so no early symptoms
are evident. Pancreatic Cancer is often in an advanced stage
by the time it is discovered. These cancers often first spread
to the liver, but they can spread to other organs and tissues
also. The symptoms of cancer hence depend on where the cancer
is growing. A lung metastasis or spread can cause breathing
problems, cough etc., Bone metastasis will cause bone pain.
Signs and symptoms to Watch:
Most pancreatic cancers are exocrine
tumors (90%). Their symptoms can be very vague and depend
on whether the tumor is in the head, body, or tail of the
pancreas.
1. Jaundice or yellowing of the
eyes and skin.
2. Itchy skin, palms, and soles of feet.
3. Unusually pale, bulky, greasy stool that floats in the
toilet due to fat indigestion.
4. Nausea, vomiting, weight loss.
5. Abdominal pain that worsens after eating.
6. Blood clots or fatty tissue abnormalities.
7. Problems with sugar metabolism.
8. Fever and shivering.
About 5% of pancreatic Cancer is
due to endocrine tumors that develop in the hormone-producing
cells of the pancreas. They are two types-functioning and
non-functioning tumors. If they overproduce hormones and cause
a chemical syndrome, then they are functioning tumors. Depending
on the hormones they produce, the tumors are named accordingly.
9. Gastrinomas-- severe pain, black
tarry stools and diarrhea
10. Glucagonomas—skin rash, anemia, weight loss, inflammation
inside lips and cheeks.
11. Insulinomas.—hypoglycemia (weakness, drowsiness,
dizziness or lack of energy).
12. Somatostatinomas-- gall stones, diabetes, diarrhea and
fatty stools
13. VIPomas—flushing of face, watery diarrhea, and hypertension.
14. PPomas—abdominal pain, enlarged liver, watery diarrhea.
15. Carcinoid tumors--flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, and a
rapid heart rate and in due course will damage heart valves,
causing shortness of breath, weakness, and a heart murmur.
Order of the Diagnosis
of Pancreatic Cancer:
1. Physician’s examination
and lab tests.
2. Imaging studies like CT, MRI, Ultrasound or PET scans.
3. Tumor resection or taking the actual tissue from the tumor
mass (biopsy) for staging of the tumor (Stages 0 to IV)
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer:
Depending on the stage of the tumor, surgery, chemotherapy
and/or radiation is carried out to extend one’s survival.
Prevention of Pancreatic
Cancer:
Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and
choosing a healthy diet is important. Pancreatic Cancer sure
has some connection to one’s genes. So, prevention/early
diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is a lot dependent on identifying
the vulnerable person.
Watch the Video: Prevention and Genetics
Exposure to cell phone radiation during pregnancy
can cause hyperactivity and inattention.
Image credit:emfnews.com
A research done at Yale School of Medicine this
year have determined that exposure to radiation
from cell phones during pregnancy affects the brain
development of offspring, potentially leading to
hyperactivity and inattention (like ADHD). The study
was performed on pregnant rats and their offsprings.
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.