Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to diagnose early because it does not typically cause symptoms until it has advanced.

 

Q: What is the function of the Pancreas?

 

Dr: The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas has two main functions – to produce digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine and to produce hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which help regulate blood sugar levels.

 

Q: What is Pancreatitis?

 

Dr: When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes can start to digest the pancreas itself, causing damage. This can lead to several symptoms, including:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Tenderness in the upper abdomen

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of inflammation that usually lasts a few days. Chronic pancreatitis is ongoing inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to permanent damage.

 

Q: Does Pancreatitis always lead to Pancreatic Cancer?

 

Dr: Pancreatitis does not always lead to pancreatic cancer, but it is a risk factor. Chronic pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that lasts for six months or longer, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by two to three times. If you have chronic pancreatitis, it is important to see your doctor regularly for monitoring and screening for pancreatic cancer.

 

Q: What are the common symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

 

Dr: Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to diagnose early because it does not typically cause symptoms until it has advanced. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Jaundice
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale-coloured stools
• Blood clots

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Pancreatic cancer is most treatable when it is caught early.

 

Q: What are the risks for Pancreatic Cancer?

 

Dr: There are several risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including:

 

• Smoking, chronic alcohol
• Age (most cases occur in people over the age of 65)
• Pancreatic calculi
• Fast food (Ajinomoto MSG)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Family history of pancreatic cancer

Q: How do we diagnose the pancreatic cancer?

 

Dr: We can diagnose by the mentioned methods.

 

• CT Abdomen and Biopsy
• CA 19.9 tumour marker.

Q: Does alcohol abuse cause Pancreatic Cancer?

 

Dr: Yes, alcohol abuse can cause pancreatic cancer. Heavy alcohol use is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that alcohol abuse accounts for about 20% of pancreatic cancer cases. The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration of alcohol use.

 

Alcohol can damage the pancreas in several ways. It can irritate the lining of the pancreas, causing inflammation. It can also interfere with the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes and hormones. Over time, this damage can lead to the development of pancreatic cancer.

 

Q: Is surgical removal of the pancreas the only treatment option for Pancreatic Cancer?

 

Dr: Treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Surgical removal of the pancreas, or pancreatectomy, is a treatment for pancreatic cancer. It is only an option for patients with early-stage disease. There are two main types of pancreatectomies: partial pancreatectomy and total pancreatectomy (Whipple’s surgery).

 

Q: When is a Total Pancreatectomy needed?

 

Dr: Total pancreatectomy is needed for pancreatic cancer treatment when the cancer has spread to the entire pancreas or when there is not enough healthy tissue left to preserve. It is also sometimes used to treat precancerous conditions of the pancreas.

 

A total pancreatectomy is needed for pancreatic cancer treatment when the cancer has spread to the entire pancreas or when there is not enough healthy tissue left to preserve. It is also sometimes used to treat precancerous conditions of the pancreas.

 

Q: Can Pancreatic cancer be prevented through lifestyle changes?

 

Dr: There is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer. But here are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent pancreatic cancer.

 

• Quit Smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
• Regular exercise can help to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.
• Limiting alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
• If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or other risk factors get regular screenings.

By making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular screenings, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease.