Pancreatic Cancer (Adenocarcinoma)
Overview
Pancreatic cancer most commonly begins in the ductal cells of the pancreas, referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It is one of the most aggressive cancers and often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Upper abdominal or back pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine and pale stools
- New-onset diabetes
Causes & Risk Factors
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Smoking
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Family history/genetic syndromes (e.g., BRCA, Lynch, Peutz-Jeghers)
- Age >60
Diagnosis
- Abdominal imaging: CT scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- ERCP (to evaluate pancreatic/bile ducts)
- CA 19-9 blood test (tumor marker)
- Biopsy (via EUS or surgery)
Treatment Options
- Surgery (Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy for resectable cases)
- Chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based regimens)
- Radiation therapy (in select cases)
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (for specific genetic mutations)
- Palliative care (for symptom relief in advanced disease)
Prognosis
- Generally poor due to late diagnosis
- 5-year survival rate:
- Localized: ~44%
- Regional: ~15%
- Distant: ~3%
Living with this Cancer Type
- Pain management and digestive enzyme support
- Nutritional support and appetite stimulants
- Emotional, psychological, and palliative care
- Genetic counseling for family members
Prevention & Screening
- Avoid tobacco and maintain healthy weight
- Manage chronic pancreatitis and diabetes
- Genetic screening in high-risk individuals
- No general population screening recommended
FAQs
Q: Is pancreatic cancer always fatal?
A: Not always, but it has one of the lowest survival rates due to late detection.
Q: Can it be detected early?
A: Rarely, unless screened in high-risk individuals.
Q: Does surgery cure pancreatic cancer?
A: It can offer a chance of cure in early-stage cases, but relapse is common.
Resources
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- ClinicalTrials.gov
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