Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What is pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas is an organ located in the middle of the abdomen (intra-abdominal), situated behind the stomach, between the small intestine and the spleen. It is responsible for producing insulin and enzymes that aid in the digestion of fats. The organ is divided into the body and tail.

Pancreatic cancer is a tumor that evolves silently in its early stages, and when more advanced, the tumor's location can cause different symptoms. The main type of pancreatic tumor is adenocarcinoma, accounting for more than 90% of cases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease, but some common signs may include:

abdominal pain: persistent pain in the abdominal region, which may spread to the back. The pain may worsen after meals or at night

unexplained weight loss: especially if it occurs over a short period

jaundice: a condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin (a yellow substance found in bile) in the blood. This can occur when a tumor in the pancreas interferes with the normal flow of bile

digestive system changes: pancreatic cancer can cause a range of digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a feeling of fullness after a small meal

diabetes: in some cases, pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production and result in the development of diabetes

weakness and fatigue: the disease can cause weakness and fatigue due to its impact on the body's overall functioning

Some of these symptoms may appear in other diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer, including:

family history: people with relatives who have had pancreatic cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease
smoking: smoking significantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage the organ over time
diet: consuming a diet high in processed foods, smoked foods (such as bacon and ham), and saturated fats (found in red meats and oils) is a major risk factor for developing the disease
obesity and lack of physical activity: individuals who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Lack of physical activity is also associated with a higher risk of the disease
chronic pancreatitis: chronic pancreatitis, a persistent inflammation of the pancreas, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer
type 2 diabetes: people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer
advanced age: the risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. Most diagnosed cases are in people over 65 years old

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer usually involves a series of tests and procedures to confirm the presence of the disease and determine its extent, such as:

imaging tests: computed tomography (which uses X-rays) and magnetic resonance imaging (which uses magnetic fields) help visualize the pancreas and determine if there are any abnormalities present
ultrasound: this test uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body and can be used to detect irregularities in the pancreas
blood tests: blood levels of certain substances may be elevated in people with pancreatic cancer
biopsy: often necessary to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the test involves collecting a tissue sample from the organ for laboratory analysis
endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound: during the test, a flexible tube with a camera or ultrasound at the end is inserted into the mouth and passed through the stomach to the small intestine. This can be used to examine the pancreas and collect tissue samples for biopsy
laparoscopy: in cases where other diagnostic methods are inconclusive, laparoscopy may be performed. This involves performing minimally invasive surgery, with the insertion of a small tube with a camera at the end through a small cut in the abdomen to directly examine the pancreas and other abdominal structures

Early diagnosis is crucial to increase the chances of good outcomes and curative treatments.

Treatment

The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include:

surgery: in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, surgery may be performed with curative intent to remove the tumor, the organ, and its lymph nodes (structures that are part of the immune system)
chemotherapy: uses drugs to destroy stomach cancer cells or prevent their growth and spread
radiotherapy: consists of the targeted and controlled use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in the pancreas. It can be used as a complement to surgery or chemotherapy
targeted therapy: these are drugs aimed at specific genes or proteins of cancer cells to eliminate or reduce the tumor

Einstein's Oncology and Hematology offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment. Learn more.

Prevention

Although not all cases of pancreatic cancer can be prevented, some measures can help reduce the risk of the disease:

do not smoke: smoking is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer
healthy diet: consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed, fatty, and salty foods
limit alcohol consumption: excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer
diabetes control: treating type 2 diabetes and other related health conditions prevents the disease
genetic counseling: genetic counseling is performed as a preventive method in cases of a family history of pancreatic cancer