Pancreatic Cancer

Causes

• Tobacco Use: Smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
• Family History: Having a family member with pancreatic cancer increases the risk.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2
  mutations.
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
• Diabetes: People with long-standing diabetes have a higher risk.
• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after the age of 65.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
• Unintended Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite and feeling full quickly.
• Digestive Problems: Nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.
• New-Onset Diabetes: Diabetes that develops suddenly without a clear cause.

Types

• Adenocarcinoma: Most common type, arises from the cells lining the pancreatic ducts.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Less common, arise from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.

Diagnosis

• Imaging Tests: CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and PET scan to visualize the pancreas and
  detect tumors.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Using a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe to
  examine the pancreas.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of pancreatic tissue for examination under a microscope to
  confirm cancer.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Removal of the head of the
    pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct.
  • Distal Pancreatectomy: Removal of the tail and body of the pancreas.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used before or after surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention

• Avoid Tobacco: Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly to prevent
  obesity.
• Limit Alcohol: Moderate or avoid alcohol consumption.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Control diabetes and avoid chronic pancreatitis.