MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer, also called exocrine cancer, forms in the tissue of the pancreas, an organ in the digestive system located in the abdomen. Endocrine cells in the pancreas create enzymes used to digest fats and proteins, and exocrine glands create insulin and hormones to help balance the amount of sugar in the blood. Cancer is more common in the exocrine cells and most tumors in this area are called adenocarcinomas.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer symptoms are not usually present in early stages, in advanced stages symptoms may include:- Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back.
- Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine (jaundice).
- Weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
Causes & Prevention
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, getting plenty of exercise and not smoking is recommended.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for pancreatic cancer risk if you:- Are over the age of 70.
- Are male.
- Are African American.
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
- Are overweight.
- Have diabetes, chronic pancreatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.
- Have a family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited certain mutations in genes that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Are exposed to chemicals such as pesticides and dyes.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam, labs test of blood, urine and stools are reviewed, a diagnostic image such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be taken to view the pancreas. A physician may perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which involves inserting a tiny, flexible lighted tube into the pancreas and injecting dyes that can be seen on X-rays. Other dye-related imaging processes may also be performed. A biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine tissue from the pancreas under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
