Pancreas - The pancreas is an organ that
aids in digestion by producing enzymes. It also produces
hormones that helps in the digestion of carbohydrates.
Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the worst types of cancer
with a high mortality rate. In the US this cancer is the
fourth leading cause of cancer deaths - even though it accounts
for only 2% of new cancers. The age group most affected by
this type of cancer is that from age 65 to 79.
Diagnosis - In about 50% of patients
there is a "yellowing" of the skin - referred to as jaundice.
There may also me weight loss, fatigue, glucose intolerance, and
a loss of appetite. There may also be signs of pain in the
back and abdomen. Hormonal imbalances produced by the
cancerous cells of the pancreas can result in
dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, or in some cases muscle
spasms. The onset of these symptoms may be gradual
and may be interpreted as other ailments.
Treatment - Prevention is the best
treatment. Smokers tend to get this cancer about twice as
often as nonsmokers. Diets rich in meat and fats also tend
to contribute to pancreatic cancer.
If a patient is diagnosed with cancer with
cancer of the pancreas the doctor may opt in for surgery.
In some cases the surgeon may be able to perform curative
surgery - that is surgery intended on removing all the cancer.
Sometimes the surgeon may decide that palliative surgery
(surgery to correct symptoms) is required. In palliative
surgery the doctor goes in and removes cancer that is
interfering with certain biological processes (such as in the
case where cancer is blocking ducts, etc).
