Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis
                     C A U S E S , S Y M P T O M S  &  T R E A T M E N T
PANCREATIC CANCER
PANCREATIC CANCER
Pancreatic cancer is known for its poor
prognosis.Nearly more than 25,000 new pancreas
cancer patients are diagnosed every year in India.
Without treatment not more than 15% patient
survive more than a year.With best treatment
possible still less than 15% patient survive more
than 5 years
RISK FACTORS
Smoking is most common risk factor.Nearly 75%
patients are chronic smokers and risk equalize to
non-smoker after 10 year of quitting it and alcohol
causes chronic inflammatory condition of the
pancreas called chronic pancreatitis which is a risk
factor for pancreatic cancer.
Cancer Symptoms
Mass located in the head of pancreas cause
jaundice by direct compression over the CBD.
Cancer in the body and tail region of pancreas
can also cause jaundice by lymph nodal mass
causing compression at the hepatoduodenal
ligament .It is Surgical obstructive jaundice, means
patient present with features like pale colored
stools, itching..
Diagnosis
When patient present with features suggestive of
pancreas cancer then Ultrasound abdomen is the
first investigation. Ultrasound can demonstrate
mass in the pancreas, dilatation of the biliary tract,
pancreatic duct dilatation, any associated lymph
nodes and liver metastases if present..
Treatment
The mainstay of pancreatic cancer treatment is
surgical resection if the tumor is localized and the
patient is fit for surgery. For locally advanced
tumors before surgery chemotherapy is given by
medical oncologist to make tumor resectable..
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