Pancreatic Cancer is a form of cancer that results when the cells in the pancreas go out of control and grow into the form of a tumor. With a 5-year survival rate of just 10%, it is the most fatal type of cancer. We will discuss the reasons, symptoms as well as treatment options to minimize your risk of developing pancreatic cancer in this article.
Causes
The precise nature of pancreatic cancer’s cause is not clear, however, a variety of risk factors have been recognized. Smoking is the most significant risk element, with smokers three times or more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than non-smokers. Other risk factors are an older age, a family history of pancreatic cancer or overweight, chronic pancreatitis as well as certain genetic mutations.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer typically does not cause any symptoms in its initial stages, making it difficult to detect. It may trigger symptoms such as:
Abdominal pain radiating into the back
Loss of weight and loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing eyes and skin)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms it is crucial to consult your doctor as soon as you can. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment.
Diagnosis
The doctor might order several tests to determine if there is pancreatic cancer. These tests may include imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound. Additionally, they may request taking a biopsy to take small amounts of tissue to be examined.
Treatment
The stage and the location of pancreatic cancer with the health of the patient overall will determine the treatment options. The treatment options available to treat pancreatic carcinoma include chemotherapy, surgery treatment, radiation therapy and other treatments.
The most commonly used treatment for pancreatic carcinoma is surgery, particularly when it’s located within the head. The goal of surgery is to eliminate the tumor along with the surrounding tissue that could contain cancerous cells. Surgery is not always possible if the tumor lies in the body or the tail part of the pancreas.
Chemotherapy employs chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with radiation therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy may be administered orally or intravenously, and may produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used either by itself or as part of a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Side effects of radiation therapy could include fatigue and skin irritation, and nausea.
Reducing your risk
There cannot be a way to completely avoid pancreatic cancer. However, there are steps you can take that will reduce your chances. They include:
Stopping smoking cigarettes: If smoke, quitting smoking is the most important thing you could do to lower your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
A healthy weight: Obesity is an important risk factor for pancreatic cancer. So maintaining the right weight can lower your chance of developing.
Eat a healthy diet. Consuming a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Limiting consumption of alcohol
The management of chronic ailments: Working with your doctor can lower the risk of developing chronic condition such as diabetes, or pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer is a severe condition that requires aggressive treatment and early detection. If you notice any signs of pancreatic cancer it is important to see a doctor promptly. You can manage your health by being aware of the dangers and taking steps to reduce your chances of developing this fatal disease.
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