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Diagnosing Cancer of the Pancreas
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).
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