What is Pancreatic Cancer?

It is a type of cancer in which cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form tumors. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and blood sugar-regulating hormones. What is pancreatic cancer? It is usually diagnosed late because it does not show symptoms in the early stages. This makes the disease difficult to treat.

Why Is Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Vital?

It is a disease that does not show symptoms in the early stages. It is an aggressive type of cancer that is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Late detection of the disease greatly reduces the chance of treatment. Early diagnosis can significantly increase life expectancy and treatment success.

It is usually a silent disease. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has often spread to the lymph nodes or other organs. Early detection increases the chance of surgical intervention, which allows the tumor to be completely removed. Surgical procedures, such as the Whipple operation, are only performed when the cancer is limited to the pancreas.

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Individuals with risk factors such as smoking, obesity and diabetes should be checked. EUS, MRI and blood tests play a vital role in early diagnosis.

As a result, early diagnosis allows the disease to be controlled. It greatly improves the response to treatment. Individuals in the risk group should take their symptoms into consideration and go to the doctor for a check-up. This is critical for extending life expectancy.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer, is a disease that does not show symptoms in the early stages and is diagnosed late. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is usually advanced. Therefore, knowing its symptoms is of great importance for early diagnosis.

Many patients experience abdominal pain. This pain usually radiates to the lumbar region and may be felt with back pain. The pain may increase after meals or when lying down.

Sudden weight loss is one of the most common symptoms. Patients may feel a loss of appetite and have difficulty eating. Rapid weight loss occurs because the body cannot absorb enough nutrients.

It can block the bile ducts and cause jaundice. Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. At the same time, the urine becomes darker and the stool becomes lighter.

Because the pancreas produces digestive enzymes, cancer can disrupt this process. Patients may experience digestive problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or oily stools. Stomach discomfort may increase after eating.

Pancreatic cancer, It can affect insulin production and lead to sudden diabetes. People who have not had diabetes before experience sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Since symptoms usually appear late, individuals at risk should have regular health checks. Early diagnosis is one of the greatest advantages in treatment.

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic canceris a serious disease that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of pancreatic cells. The exact cause of cancer is not known. However, it is known that some factors are effective in the development of the disease. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors and lifestyle factors can increase the risk.

Smoking increases the risk by 2-3 times. Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the pancreas. This can lead to cell mutations. Alcohol use can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Long-term pancreatitis can turn into cancer over time.

Individuals with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop the disease. Inherited gene mutations may increase the risk.

Chronic pancreatitis that persists for a long time increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis is often associated with smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The risk may increase in patients with type 2 diabetes. Especially cases of diabetes that develop later in life may be one of its early symptoms. Obesity can increase the risk of cancer by causing inflammation in the body.

Consuming high-fat, processed, and sugary foods pancreatic cancer Adopting a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fiber may provide protection against cancer.

To protect yourself from cancer, it is very important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and have regular health check-ups.

What is Pancreatic Cancer and How is it Treated?

It is a disease in which cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form tumors. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. The disease usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, so it is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease, the patient's general health, and the spread of the tumor.

If the cancer is detected early and has not spread, surgery can be used to remove the tumor. The Whipple operation is performed for tumors in the head of the pancreas. Distal pancreatectomy is used for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas. However, surgery is only appropriate for early-stage patients.

Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is usually used after surgery or for advanced stage patients. It is sometimes combined with radiotherapy.

Cancer cells are targeted using high-energy rays. Radiotherapy is used to shrink tumors or slow down the progression of the disease.

Targeted therapies use drugs that target specific cancer cells, while immunotherapy strengthens the immune system, helping it fight cancer.

What is pancreatic cancer? Early diagnosis increases the chance of treatment. It is possible to reduce the risk of disease with healthy lifestyle habits and regular check-ups.