Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Delhi

The pancreas, located in the abdomen, has cells with endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (digestive) functions; cancer cells can develop from both types of functional cells. Pancreatic cancer strikes a small organ behind the stomach that produces hormones and digestive juices for the body. Pancreatic cancer occurs within the tissues of the pancreas, which is a vital endocrine organ located behind the stomach.

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer that spreads may worsen pre existing symptoms. If cancer spreads, you may experience additional signs and symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer. The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. This type of cancer occurs when irregular cells start to grow within the pancreas and make tumors.

Usually, healthy cells grow and die in reasonable quantities. In cancer, there is an increased amount of abnormal cell production, and these cells eventually take over healthy cells.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

According to Gastroenterologist in Delhi Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it reaches the advanced stages of the disease.

• Loss of Appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Abdominal (stomach) or lower back pain
• Blood clots
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Depression

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Therapy for pancreatic cancer treatment in delhi depends on the stage of growth. It has two goals: to kill cancerous cells and to prevent the spread of the disease

• Surgery: The decision to use surgery to treat pancreatic cancer in delhi comes down to two things: the location of the tumor and the stage of cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Other treatment options must examine once cancer spreads outside of the pancreas.
• Targeted Therapy:
• Chemotherapy: Pancreatic cancer treatment in delhi uses drugs or other means to be precise and target cancer cells and work to eradicate them.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer:-

• Smoking: Tobacco's harmful chemicals damage pancreatic cells, raising cancer risk over time.
• Age: As we age, genetic changes increase, raising the risk of abnormal cell growth and cancer.
• Familyhistory: Genetic mutations inherited from relatives can increase pancreatic cancer risk by disrupting normal cell growth and repair.
• Obesity: Obesity leads to chronic inflammation, potentially promoting pancreatic cancer.
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes create a favorable environment for cancer cell proliferation.
• ChronicPancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis causes ongoing inflammation, leading to cellular damage and increasing cancer risk.
• DietaryFactors: High intake of red meat, processed meat, and fatty foods can expose the pancreas to cancer-promoting substances.
• AlcoholConsumption: Heavy drinking harms the pancreas, disrupting its function and potentially causing cancer.
• OccupationalExposures: Work-related exposure to chemicals like pesticides, dyes, and gasoline can slightly increase pancreatic cancer risk.
• RaceandEthnicity: Pancreatic cancer rates vary by race/ethnicity, with higher rates in some groups.

These factors can gradually affect the pancreas over time, increasing the chances of cancerous changes occurring. 

Also Read: How to diagnose pancreatic cancer early?

Types Of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can be classified into several types based on where they originate within the pancreas. The two primary types of pancreatic cancer are:-

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer: This type starts in the cells that produce enzymes for digestion, known as exocrine cells. The most common type of exocrine pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, accounting for about 95% of cases.
• Endocrine pancreatic cancer (neuroendocrine tumors): These tumors develop in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas, known as endocrine cells. They are less common than exocrine tumors but can still occur.

Within these broad categories, there are further subtypes:-

• Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, arising from the cells lining the pancreatic ducts.
• Intraductalpapillarymucinousneoplasm(IPMN): These are precancerous growths that form in the pancreatic ducts and can potentially develop into cancer.
• Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN): Similar to IPMN, MCN is also a precancerous growth, typically found in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Pancreaticneuroendocrinetumors(NETs): These tumors form in the endocrine cells of the pancreas and can be functional (producing hormones) or non-functional.

It's essential for patients to consult with healthcare professionals to understand their specific type of pancreatic cancer and the most appropriate treatment options.

Diagnosis Of Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves a combination of a medical history review, physical examination, and various tests. Here's an overview of the diagnostic process:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors for pancreatic cancer. During the exam, they'll check for jaundice, abdominal tenderness, or a palpable mass in the abdomen.

• Imaging Tests: Several imaging tests may be used to visualize the pancreas and detect any abnormalities, including the test for pancreatic cancer.

1. CT scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the pancreas.
2. MRIscan: Also offers detailed images to assess the tumor.
3. Endoscopicultrasound(EUS): Uses an ultrasound probe to visualize the pancreas via an endoscope.
4. Endoscopicretrogradecholangiopancreatography(ERCP): Combines endoscopy and X-rays to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts.

• Biopsy: If imaging suggests pancreatic cancer, a biopsy confirms it by taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. Biopsies include fine-needle aspiration (FNA), endoscopic, or surgical methods.

• BloodTests: Certain blood tests may help in the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic cancer, including:
1. CA 19-9: High levels suggest pancreatic cancer but can be elevated in other conditions.
2. Liverfunctiontests: Check for abnormalities like high bilirubin, which can indicate pancreatic cancer.

• Other Tests: Additional tests like PET scans or laparoscopy may be advised to assess the cancer's spread beyond the pancreas.

Discuss test results with your doctor for guidance on pancreatic cancer treatment in Delhi. Early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.

Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Tips 

While there is no guaranteed cure for pancreatic cancer, there are several lifestyle changes and risk-reduction strategies that may help lower the risk. Here are some prevention tips for pancreatic cancer:

• Avoid Tobacco: Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
• LimitAlcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
• MaintainHealthyWeight: Stay within a healthy weight range through diet and exercise.
• Eat a BalancedDiet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red and processed meats.
• StayActive: Engage in regular physical activity.
• ReduceChemicalExposure: Minimize exposure to workplace and environmental toxins.
• ManageChronicConditions: Effectively manage diabetes and chronic pancreatitis.
• ConsiderGeneticCounseling: Seek counseling if you have a family history or genetic predisposition.
• Screening: Discuss screening options with your healthcare provider if you're at high risk.
• FollowMedicalAdvice: Adhere to preventive screenings and health check-ups.

It's important to remember that not all cases of pancreatic cancer can be prevented, and some risk factors are beyond your control. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help detect any potential issues early and improve outcomes.