How to detect pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer - how to treat and how long do patients live? How is the treatment performed?

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer with a dismal prognosis - it spreads quickly and is accompanied by severe pain in the later stages, and cancer cells invade other organs. In this case, digestive enzymes can enter the surrounding tissues from the pancreas, which leads to their inflammation and destruction. However, in relatively early stages, pancreatic cancer is accompanied by few or no symptoms. Thus, this disease is difficult to diagnose, so it is necessary to closely monitor possible signs in the digestive system and abdominal cavity. Early diagnosis leaves more options for treatment and surgery.

Steps

Part 1

Identifying early symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Look for yellowing of the skin and eyes. One of the first signs of pancreatic cancer is jaundice, that is, yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Although jaundice is more often associated with liver disease, pancreatic cancer often causes swelling of the liver and gallbladder, which interferes with the proper functioning of these neighboring organs. Examine your skin and eyes in a mirror in good light to see if they have turned yellow.

• Jaundice also causes itchy skin, so pay attention to this sign as well.
• The whites of the eyes (sclera) turn yellow, but not the iris, which retains its usual gray, blue or green color.
• If the yellowing of the skin is subtle, your doctor may test the bile content in your urine or order a blood test to detect jaundice.

1. Notice the aching pain in your stomach. One of the early signs of pancreatic cancer is diffuse pain and aching in the abdomen, although many patients in the early stages do not experience any pain. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, approximately in the middle of the abdomen. It produces hormones, digestive enzymes and insulin, which controls blood sugar. If aching abdominal pain does not go away within a week, consult a doctor.

   • A small or medium tumor of the pancreas is difficult to determine by palpation (deep palpation), and this method is practically useless, since this gland is located deep in the abdominal cavity and is surrounded by other internal organs. In addition, pancreatic cancer often causes swelling of the liver and gallbladder, which is easier to detect by palpation, which can lead to misdiagnosis of cirrhosis or cholecystitis.
   • Because of abdominal tenderness, fatigue, and diarrhea, early pancreatic cancer can be confused with an infection, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Pay attention to fatigue and weakness. Another early sign of pancreatic cancer, like most other forms of cancer, is increased fatigue, feeling tired and weak. This is because pancreatic cancer can block the flow of digestive fluids, and because cancer cells consume a lot of resources, burn a lot of energy, and overload the immune system. Therefore, in the early stages, cancer may resemble a viral infection, but without the characteristic coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and the like.

   • In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, patients often experience unreasonable fatigue in the evenings, they lose the desire to exercise or even leave the house.
   • Increased fatigue and tiredness associated with pancreatic cancer usually does not improve after prolonged sleep.
   • Because as cancer progresses, the muscles no longer receive enough nutrients (glucose) and energy, they become weaker and may even begin to tremble.

3. Pay attention to increased blood sugar (glucose). One of the main functions of the pancreas is to produce the hormone insulin, which carries glucose from the blood to the body's cells, where it is used as an energy source. When the pancreas malfunctions due to cancer, sugar remains in the blood and its concentration increases there. Too high blood glucose levels cause lethargy, fatigue, thirst, weakness, irritability, and more frequent headaches.

   Look for chronic diarrhea or stools that are too light. Another possible sign of early pancreatic cancer is chronic diarrhea. In addition, clay-like or abnormally light-colored stools are a sign of insufficient bile production. Diarrhea due to pancreatic cancer is due to the fact that not enough digestive enzymes enter the small intestine - this interferes with normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. Contact your doctor if a bout of diarrhea lasts longer than one week.

   • Another sign that the pancreas is not functioning properly and is not producing (or not releasing) enough of the fat-digesting enzyme (bile) is fatty, foul-smelling stools that often float on top of the water.

   Part 2

   Symptoms of pancreatic cancer in later stages

   1. Notice the burning pain in your abdomen. As cancer progresses, symptoms become more noticeable fairly quickly. One of the first obvious symptoms is moderate to severe diffuse pain in the abdominal area, which is often burning or corrosive in nature. The pain can also radiate to the middle region of the back (thoracic spine). Most patients with pancreatic cancer first see their doctor because of this severe pain.

      Watch for severe nausea and vomiting. Another symptom of later stage pancreatic cancer is moderate to severe nausea and chronic vomiting. Nausea practically does not stop, it either intensifies or subsides throughout the day, and vomiting can happen once or sometimes several times a day. In the later stages of pancreatic cancer, it becomes very difficult to eat, and the body often refuses to retain the liquid it drinks.

      • Nausea and vomiting are caused by severe pain and the constant production of adrenaline and other stress hormones.
      • Chronic vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and a lack of electrolytes (mineral salts), which can cause severe muscle cramps and a rapid heart rate.

   2. Notice unexpected weight loss. In pancreatic cancer, weight loss can be caused by many factors. Typically, cancer causes wasting of the body (cachexia) as cancer cells burn large amounts of energy. In addition, abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting make it difficult to eat, which also leads to weight loss. If you lose significant weight (usually noticeable first in your face and waist circumference), see your doctor immediately to have your health checked.

      • Even if you can eat and digest food, your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients because the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes.
      • For this reason, pancreatic cancer patients are often advised to take enzyme supplements to aid digestion and help maintain normal body weight.

   Part 3

   Medical diagnostics

   1. Get the appropriate blood test. Your doctor or oncologist (cancer specialist) will likely order some blood tests if you have some or all of the symptoms listed above. Some blood tests can detect pancreatic cancer and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Such tests include a complete blood count, liver function tests, serum bilirubin, kidney function test, and a search for various tumor markers.

      • Tumor markers (tumor markers) are substances that are sometimes found in the blood of cancer patients. Pancreatic cancer is indicated by two of them, which are called CA 19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
      • Elevated levels of these tumor markers are not found in all patients with pancreatic cancer. In addition, their level may be elevated for other reasons, so this is not a clear criterion. However, this simple and non-invasive test can help determine whether further testing is worthwhile.
      • Testing hormone levels (such as chromogranin A, C-peptide, and serotonin) is often helpful, as levels are often elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer.

   2. Complete all necessary medical imaging tests. If your oncologist suspects you have pancreatic cancer based on the symptoms you describe and the blood tests, he or she may order a variety of imaging tests. These may include computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, endosonography of the pancreas, and retrograde cholangiopancreatography (RCP). If these tests confirm cancer, you will have more detailed tests to determine whether the tumor is spreading, a technique called cancer staging.

   3. Consider a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If various analyzes and tests indicate pancreatic cancer, then in order to fully confirm this diagnosis and determine which cells are most affected, the doctor will prescribe a biopsy, for which a sample of pancreatic tissue is taken. A sample of pancreatic tissue is taken under anesthesia, and this can be done in three ways: using a needle, an endoscope, or surgery.

      • In a percutaneous biopsy (also called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy), a long, thin, hollow needle is inserted through the skin of the abdomen to remove a small sample of tissue (tumor) from the pancreas.
      • In an endoscopic biopsy, an endoscope is inserted through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to remove a sample of tissue from the pancreas.
      • Surgical biopsy is the most invasive method and involves making an incision into the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted into the incision, with which the doctor takes a tissue sample and examines the insides to find out whether the tumor has spread to neighboring organs.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE PANCREAS CANCER

The pancreas is a very important organ that produces pancreatic juice necessary for digestion, and also takes part in the production of hormones, including insulin. Tumor diseases of the gland are common. Their peculiarities include the fact that there are no early symptoms of pancreatic cancer as such. At an early stage, neoplasms of the pancreatoduodenal zone do not manifest any symptoms, which is why they are diagnosed late. Thus, the patient may not be aware of cancer for a long time. Symptoms appear only when the tumor grows into neighboring organs, when its size increases (for example, when it compresses the papilla of Vater, into which the bile ducts open). With this variant of the course of the disease, obstructive jaundice appears. This forces the patient to undergo diagnostic testing (CT, MRI, ultrasound), which reveals the oncological process. In other cases, the tumor may be an incidental finding during studies performed for some other reason. More often, a tumor is discovered by chance during a preventive ultrasound.

HOW TO TEST YOUR PANCREAS FOR CANCER

Today, there are several methods for accurately diagnosing this oncology, both X-ray and non-X-ray. In this article we will take a detailed look at what pancreatic cancer looks like on various images and how to find it using each of these methods. We will also provide diagnostic signs of pancreatic cancer, as well as consider clinical examples illustrating this dangerous disease.

Today, scientists have proven that the most informative way to check the pancreas for cancer and to identify oncopathology as early as possible is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study makes it possible to clearly visualize the tumor, determine its structure and structure, distinguish between the soft tissue and cystic components, identify growth into the parapancreatic tissue (that is, the tissue surrounding the gland, from the Latin word “pancreas”), into neighboring organs (into the spleen, into the renal fascia , into the duodenum, into other parts of the intestine, into the omentum). In this case, it is necessary to take into account the fact that MRI must be performed on a high-field device (with a field strength not<1,5 тесла), ведь только такой аппарат обеспечивает нужное качество диагностических изображений. При необходимости исследование дополняется введением контрастного вещества. Кроме того, следует иметь в виду, что анализ снимков должен проводиться опытным рентгенологом, имеющим хороший опыт в диагностике патологии панкреатодуоденальной зоны. Чтобы избежать диагностической ошибки, можно выполнить повторный анализ снимков МРТ и получить Второе мнение опытного специалиста (об этом внизу статьи).

Also, a formation in the pancreas can be detected by ultrasound. This is a simple and accessible method that evaluates changes in the structure of the organ, changes in size (thickening), the presence of a cystic (liquid) component, the degree of expansion of the pancreatic duct, and signs of cancer germination (invasion) into neighboring tissues. The disadvantage of ultrasound is its low tissue resolution, and in doubtful cases, tomographic methods are prescribed - computed tomography and MRI.

A space-occupying pancreas formation can also be suspected during FGDS (fibrogastroduodenoscopy), a study of the organs of the digestive system using a flexible fiber-optic probe. In this case, the endoscopist may note a deformation (persistent, permanent) of the duodenum and suspect some kind of volumetric process in the pancreaticoduodenal zone. If there is such a suspicion, a computer or magnetic resonance imaging scan is required.

CT DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREAS CANCER

The most widely used X-ray method for visualizing pancreatic volumetric processes is computed tomography. The study can be either native (without contrast) or with contrast. Contrast CT helps to better differentiate normal and tumor tissue, as well as clearly identify the pathology of the vessels surrounding the gland. In addition, contrast enhancement on CT scans is mandatory if the doctor wants to exclude the spread of the process to the liver (liver metastases) or surrounding lymph nodes.

SIGNS OF A NEOPOLOGY (CANCER) OF THE PANCREAS DETECTED BY CT

1) Local thickening (tail, body and head are thickened evenly). Thickening can also be diffuse (affecting all departments) - in this case it is customary to talk about “pseudotumorous pancreatitis” and not about cancer. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between these two conditions on CT or MRI, and consultation with an experienced radiologist is necessary. With local thickening, the size of the affected area is usually measured on axial sections and assessed according to the TNM system (T - lat., "tumor" - tumor, N - "nodus" - lymph node, M - "metastasis" - the presence of metastases in distant organs, more often total liver).

On the images: local thickening of the headpancreas due to a soft tissue (solid) neoplasm that practically does not accumulate contrast (red arrow). The dilated duct of Wirsung is highlighted with a yellow arrow.

Tailpancreas is sharply thickened (yellow arrow), its structure is disturbed: multiple poorly contrasted areas (necrosis and decay) are visible. In addition, there is ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity). Metastasis to the perinephric tissue (retroperitoneal) is highlighted with a red asterisk.

The same patient. When analyzing the remaining scans, it becomes clear that the volumetric process is not limited only to the tail, but also extends to the body and head. The prognosis here is unfavorable; life expectancy with such a prevalence of oncological process is usually short. The photo in the top row shows a soft tissue formation with a focus of decay in the center, the images in the bottom row (left) show pathologically altered regional lymph nodes - in the gates of the liver, as well as in the tissue near the aorta and retroperitoneally, in the tissue near the gates of the left kidney. The red arrow also highlights a large solid-cystic area in the liver (metastatic in nature). Green arrows indicate fluid in the abdominal cavity.

2) The presence of a formation that has a heterogeneous structure, with uneven edges (lumpy). With computed tomography, you can evaluate its structure, determine the predominant component (solid, soft tissue; or liquid, cystic), the presence of areas of necrosis, purulent melting, calcifications, hemorrhages, etc.

What does pancreatic cancer look like? Photo (CT). The yellow circle reveals pathological tissue in the head region (with uneven edges, located near the wall of the duodenum).

3) Increased density of parapancreatic fiber. The “turbidity” of the fiber may indicate its tumor infiltration and/or an associated infection, or autolysis (self-digestion) by released enzymes (as a result of the destruction of pancreatic tissue) and the development of pancreatitis.

Please note: near the pancreatic head, the fiber loses its usual structure, its density is higher, the edges of the head are blurred and indistinct. All these are signs of infiltration of fiber by cancer cells (contact metastasis) or signs of pancreatitis (secondary).

4) Dilation of the pancreatic (Wirsung) duct above the site of the lesion. Cancer of the head causes expansion of the pancreatic duct in the area of ​​the body and tail (normally it has a width of 1-2 mm, with tumor lesions it can expand to 0.5 cm or more).

On the images: a tumor of the head of the gland (in the yellow circle), yellow arrows indicate the dilated pancreatic (Wirsung) duct as a result of a violation of the outflow of secretions. Native (without contrast) computed tomography.

5) Uneven accumulation of contrasted blood by the tumor (it has a lower density compared to unchanged tissue). The solid (soft tissue) component accumulates contrast; areas of necrosis and cystic restructuring do not accumulate it, because they do not have blood vessels in their structure and remain hypodense (low density).

6) Germination of the tumor into the nearest organs (into the spleen, into the duodenum, into the superior vena cava, into the portal vein, into the splenic vein, into the hepar, into the omentum, into Gerota’s fascia, separating the retroperitoneal space from the abdominal cavity) are extremely unfavorable signs - markers of neoplasm inoperability (T4 according to TNM).

In this case, with a tumor of the head of the pancreas, surgery is not indicated, because germination of a blood vessel occurs and hemorrhage occurs in the hepatic parenchyma (hematoma is indicated by a red arrow), a space-occupying lesion is indicated by a yellow circle. By classificationTNM pancreatic cancer correspondsT4 (tumor of any size with invasion into surrounding tissues, including blood vessels).

Volume formation of the tailgland growing into the spleen (inoperable,TNMT4), on the left – before contrast, on the right – after administration of contrast. A large cystic lesion (O) was detected in the tail area (and also partially in the body area), with a predominant fluid component, with multiple zones of necrosis, close to the spleen (C), also adjacent to the anterior renal fascia on the left. Metastases (distant) are marked with red asterisks.

The same patient. CT images, reformatted in the frontal plane, allow us to assess the extent of the lesion. A volumetric process with germination into the spleen is clearly visible, and fluid along the edge of the spleen is also visible. Hypodense secondary lesions in tissueliver.

7) The presence of altered and enlarged lymph nodes in the parapankeratic tissue, in the para-aortic tissue, in the hilum of the liver and (or) spleen indicates lymphogenous metastasis of the neoplasm and makes it possible to set N1 according to the TNM system (N - Latin “nodus”, lymph node). TNM N1 means damage to regional (located near the organ) lymph nodes and is an unfavorable sign, but does not exclude surgical intervention.

Head tumor(in the yellow circle) with metastases to the lymph nodes near the porta hepatis, as well as to the para-aortic lymph nodes (green arrows). Contrast-enhanced CT images (arterioparenchymal phase contrast enhancement) are shown. By classificationTNM neoplasm belongs to the stageN1M1 – the presence of enlarged regional nodes with a pathologically changed structure and distant secondary foci.

8) Presence of liver metastases. The neoplasm can metastasize not only through the lymphogenous route, but also through the hematogenous route. The organ that is affected first is the liver, while the elimination of tumor cells occurs through the portal vein system. Detection of metastases to distant organs in pancreatic cancer is an unfavorable symptom (according to the TNM system, M1 is set - “distant metastases detected”). If distant metastases are found with a pancreatic tumor, surgery is not indicated. There are, however, modern methods of treating liver metastases (chemoembolization, ultrasound ablation, etc.), carried out in advanced oncology hospitals.

Computed tomography with contrast. Process stageM1 classificationTNM (with the presence of symptoms of jaundice - due to compression of the common bile duct - and distant metastases). On the left, red arrows highlight multiple hypodense (low density), weakly accumulating contrast agent areas (1-3 cm in diameter), round in shape, diffusely distributed over the entire section area. On the right, under the blue arrow, is the part of the volumetric process that does not accumulate contrast (which contains a small number of arterial vessels), under the green arrow is the soft tissue part of the formation, and under the red arrow is the unchanged part of the organ (body and tail).

Pancreatic tail cancer. CT symptoms. Yellow arrows indicate a formation that has a heterogeneous structure, with multiple hypodense areas of necrosis and decay. There is a complication - massive ascites, i.e. accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (fluid is marked with yellow stars). Distant metastasis is highlighted with a green arrow.

SECOND OPINION IN CANCER

Without a doubt, a pancreatic tumor is a dangerous diagnosis, which in some cases has an unfavorable prognosis. Patient survival, life expectancy, success of a particular treatment method, and choice of surgical tactics strictly depend on the stage of the tumor process. Therefore, the most important condition for successful treatment is not only the timely detection of oncopathology, but also its accurate staging using the TNM scale. In particular, it is very important for oncologists to know whether the tumor is spreading into surrounding organs and tissue, vascular damage, metastasis to the lymph nodes and liver. Therefore, it is necessary not only to undergo a modern diagnostic examination, such as CT or MRI, but also to correctly analyze the images in order to identify or exclude all of the above signs.

To be confident in the accuracy of the diagnosis, today you can order a review of CT and MRI results from specialists in the radiological diagnosis of oncological diseases. Such expert analysis is carried out in institutions that specialize in oncological and surgical pathology. This allows us to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and describe the disease according to modern standards. The resulting expert opinion is an accurate guideline for the attending physicians - oncologist surgeons.

You can get a Second Opinion on a CT scan of the pancreas in the National Teleradiological Network (NTRS) system. This service receives complex and controversial diagnostic cases from all Russian regions. Specialists from the Moscow Institute of Surgery named after. Vishnevsky and other specialized centers will conduct a remote review of your CT or MRI. It is enough to download CT or MRI images from a disk on the NTRS website and receive a qualified report signed by a doctor within 24 hours.

Vasily Vishnyakov, radiologist

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant pathology and in late stages leads to damage to other organs. This disease can last for months, masquerading as simple inflammation, which causes delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. With cancer, atypical cells appear in tissues that can spread throughout the body.

The human pancreas is a small organ located in the abdominal cavity and produces hormones (insulin, glucagon) and pancreatic juice. Cancer develops primarily in older people aged 70 years and older. In terms of prevalence, this oncological pathology ranks 10th, and in terms of the number of fatal cases - 3. In more than half of the cases, the tumor occurs in the area of ​​the gland body.

Classification of the disease

For pancreatic cancer, classification is based on the histological structure of the tumor, the presence of regional and distant metastases and the localization of the pathological process. The following types of cancer are distinguished:

• ductal adenocarcinoma;
• cystadenocarcinoma;
• squamous cell carcinoma;
• mucinous adenocarcinoma.

In the first case, the neoplasm develops from the tissues of the gland ducts. This pathology is more often diagnosed in men. Of all exocrine tumors of the gland, it is the most common (in 80% of cases). This form of cancer is aggressive in nature. The mortality rate is almost equal to the incidence rate.

Sometimes malignant neoplasms developing from the cyst are detected. These are cystadenocarcinomas. They appear as a result of malignancy (degeneration of normal cells into malignant ones). Less common is mucinous adenocarcinoma of the gland. Its difference is in the presence of large inclusions of mucus. This is a rare form of breast cancer. The tumor can form from the epithelium of the organ mucosa. In this case we are talking about squamous cell carcinoma.

Stages

There are 4 stages of development of this tumor. The division is based on the following characteristics:

1. The size of the tumor.
2. Spread to surrounding tissues.
3. The presence of distant and regional metastatic foci.

Stage 0 is set if there is an area of ​​accumulation of altered cells without germination into surrounding tissues (cancer in situ). In this case, regional lymph nodes near the gland are not affected and there are no metastases. At stage I, the neoplasm is small in size. In stage IA, the tumor diameter does not exceed 2 cm.

With grade IB, the size of the tumor is more than 2 cm. Metastases are not detected. Stage IIA is distinguished by the fact that the tumor has spread beyond the gland to the celiac trunk, bile duct, duodenum, or superior mesenteric artery. There are no metastases in other organs.

Stage IIB of the disease is characterized by the presence of a tumor of any size, but without invasion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. In this case, single metastases to regional lymph nodes are possible. Stage III is characterized by tumor spread to the stomach, spleen and intestines, as well as damage to the celiac trunk. Regional metastases are present, but distant ones are absent.

At this stage, many patients consult a doctor. If the symptoms of the disease are ignored, a stage IV gland tumor develops. Atypical cells spread throughout the body. Secondary cancers can be found in the liver, lungs, bones, stomach, intestines and brain. This tumor is inoperable.

Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a nonspecific clinical picture. Patients consult a doctor only when the tumor reaches a large size. At an early stage, the following symptoms are possible:

• abdominal pain;
• redness of the skin in the area where the veins are located;
• weight loss;
• feeling of heaviness after eating;
• weakness;
• malaise;
• decreased performance.

As the neoplasm of the gland increases, signs such as:

• change in skin color;
• stool lightening;
• darkening of urine;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• bowel dysfunction;
• skin itching;
• skin rash;
• decreased appetite.

The spleen often becomes enlarged. This symptom indicates damage to the tail or body of the gland. In severe cases, internal bleeding may occur. In such people, the heart rate decreases, blood pressure drops and the skin turns pale. Almost every second person with this malignant pathology develops a secondary form of diabetes mellitus after a few years. With it, the volume of daily urine increases and thirst arises.

A constant symptom of pancreatic cancer is chronic pain. They have the following distinctive features:

• intensify as the tumor grows;
• they give it to the back;
• worsens at night and when the body bends forward;
• felt in the epigastric region and hypochondrium;
• are encircling.

A feature of the disease is loss of body weight. When the tumor is located in the body and tail of the gland, this symptom is observed in 100% of cases. The causes of exhaustion of the body are: decreased appetite, impaired breakdown of nutrients due to organ dysfunction, and excretion of fats in feces.

Gland cancer is often accompanied by signs of dyspepsia (digestive disorders). As a result of compression of the duodenum and stomach, nausea and vomiting occur. Dyspepsia is manifested by changes in stool. The stool becomes liquid or mushy. It has a pungent odor and contains undigested fats. This condition is called steatorrhea.

Additional symptoms of cancer are:

1. Bloating.
2. Thirst.
3. Dry mouth.
4. The presence of jams in the corners of the mouth.
5. Edema.
6. Pustular rashes.
7. Cramps in the limbs.

At stage IV, signs of dysfunction of other organs (lungs, brain, liver, bones) may appear. With metastases in the lungs, a dry cough, chest pain, a feeling of lack of air and hemoptysis appear. When the kidneys are damaged, dysuric symptoms are observed in the form of difficulty urinating, cloudy urine and the appearance of protein in it.

Sometimes, stage IV breast cancer causes neurological symptoms. These include: changes in muscle tone, facial asymmetry, headache, nasal voice, unsteadiness of gait, slurred speech, fainting, inappropriate behavior and mood lability. All this indicates the presence of cancerous tissue in the brain.

In advanced cases of pancreatic cancer, signs of liver damage appear. These include: yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, chronic pain in the right hypochondrium, bruising, bleeding gums, bad breath and an increase in abdominal volume due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

First signs

When pancreatic cancer is present, both men and women experience increased body temperature. Most often it is low-grade and does not exceed 38ºC. When the tumor affects the head of the pancreas, jaundice occurs. This is a condition caused by compression of the ducts and difficulty in the passage of bile.

Jaundice may appear already in the first stages of the disease. The skin of such people becomes gray with a yellow tint. In severe cases, the sclera of the eyes turn yellow. The spread of bile acids throughout the body leads to intense itching. Along with these symptoms, darkening of the urine is observed. Human feces become light due to a disruption in the formation of stercobilin secreted by the intestines. The presence of yellowish skin forces patients to consult a doctor.

Reasons for development

The exact causes of pancreatic cancer have not been established. Predisposing factors are:

• long history of smoking;
• excess simple carbohydrates in the diet;
• previous operations on the stomach and intestines;
• presence of diabetes mellitus;
• alcohol addiction;
• familial polyposis;
• cysts;
• advanced age;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• genetic abnormalities;
• hereditary predisposition;
• overweight;
• low physical activity;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• Crohn's disease;
• nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
• allergic diseases;
• contact with dyes and asbestos.

Often this pathology is caused by Gardner and Hippel-Lindau syndromes. Many people struggle with swelling caused by poor diet. There is a theory that the risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with the abuse of coffee, fatty foods and dishes, smoked meats, sausages, ham, sweets, carbonated drinks and confectionery.

The pancreas can be affected secondary to another malignant pathology (cancer of the stomach, intestines, pharynx, lungs, bladder, ovaries, mammary glands). People of the Negroid race get sick more often. This pathology often develops against the background of precancerous diseases (adenoma).

Complications

If the disease is not treated promptly, it can lead to dangerous consequences. The following complications are possible:

• metastasis to other organs;
• damage to regional and distant lymph nodes;
• bleeding;
• ascites;
• malabsorption syndrome;
• anemia;
• decreased leukocyte levels;
• cachexia;
• secondary diabetes mellitus;
• intestinal obstruction.

The tumor leads to disruption of the production of pancreatic juice, which is involved in digestion. If there is a lack of it, proteins, fats and carbohydrates are not broken down and absorbed by the body, which leads to a sharp decrease in body weight. In severe cases, cachexia develops. Weight loss can reach 20–30 kg.

In women, this often disrupts the menstrual cycle. A complete cessation of cyclic bleeding is possible. A dangerous complication of pancreatic cancer is the development of diabetes mellitus. The cause is damage to the cells that secrete insulin. This leads to disruption of glucose utilization by tissues and an increase in its level in the blood.

Secondary diabetes mellitus can be suspected by drowsiness, thirst, excretion of a large volume of urine, dry mucous membranes, skin and constant weakness. The fasting blood glucose level in such people exceeds 6.6 mmol/l. A large tumor of the pancreas can cause compression of the intestines. This leads to difficulty moving food.

Intestinal obstruction develops, which is manifested by stool retention for 3 days or more, vomiting, bloating, discharge of gases and abdominal asymmetry. There is a risk of developing shock. Intestinal obstruction can also develop if cancer metastasizes to the peritoneum. A dangerous complication of cancer is varicose veins of the esophagus. It is observed when the tumor affects the body or tail of the gland.

The reason is an increase in pressure in the portal or vena cava system. The survival rate for varicose veins is 50%. This is due to bleeding. It is manifested by vomiting mixed with blood, melena (black, loose stools), nausea, pale skin, impaired consciousness, increased heart rate, drop in blood pressure and sweating.

The greatest danger is from gland cancer with metastases to the liver. The reason is the spread of atypical cells through the blood. A common complication of cancer is ascites. This is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity. Ascites develops when the portal vein and peritoneum are affected.

It is manifested by rapid or slow enlargement of the abdomen, its sagging when the patient is standing, the presence of pink stripes, smooth and shiny skin and a symptom of fluctuation. In the latter case, the doctor listens to wave-like vibrations of the accumulated fluid during percussion. With ascites, urination problems and swelling are often observed.

Diagnostic measures

Pancreatic cancer is rarely diagnosed at stage 1. Only in 30% of cases is a tumor less than 2 months old. To diagnose this malignant neoplasm, the following studies will be needed:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• general urine analysis;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• tests for tumor markers;
• ultrasonography;
• radiography;
• CT or MRI;
• cholangiopancreatography;
• positron emission tomography;
• biopsy;
• cytological and histological analyses;
• laparoscopy.

Pancreatic cancer tumor markers CA-19-9, CF-50, CA-242 and CA-494 are necessarily detected in the blood of patients. Every second patient is diagnosed with cancer embryonic antigen. These tests do not allow for an accurate diagnosis. The greatest value is tissue research. The detection of atypical malignant cells in the gland confirms the diagnosis.

The tumor is visible on the screen during an ultrasound (ultrasound examination). This is a screening research method that allows you to determine the location of the tumor. Using ultrasound, you can assess the condition of other abdominal organs (gallbladder, spleen, liver) and exclude cholecystitis and hepatitis.

A detailed examination of the tumor is carried out using computer or magnetic resonance imaging. The latter is the most informative and safe. The advantage of MRI is the absence of radiation exposure. This research method allows you to detect a gland tumor measuring 2 cm or more, assess the condition of the lymph nodes and examine metastases.

To assess the condition of the duodenum and bile ducts, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is performed. This study involves the administration of a contrast agent followed by radiography. Sometimes, if breast cancer is suspected, laparoscopy is performed. This is an invasive research method.

A blood test is required. During it, the following changes are revealed:

• acceleration of ESR;
• decreased levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells;
• increased alkaline phosphatase activity;
• increased levels of liver enzymes;
• bilirubinemia.

An additional diagnostic method is stool analysis. In iron cancer, undigested food fragments and large amounts of fat are often found. The patient assessment plan includes a questionnaire and physical examination. During the history taking process, the doctor identifies possible risk factors for developing cancer.

Treatment Options

Pancreatic cancer requires immediate treatment. The main aspects of therapy are:

• tumor removal;
• elimination of symptoms;
• prevention of complications;
• normalization of digestion.

For pancreatic cancer the following are used:

• operation;
• medicines;
• targeted therapy;
• irradiation.

The most common procedure is surgery. The following operations are common:

• Whipple;
• complete, partial or segmental resection of the pancreas;
• palliative.

Endoscopic stenting (installation of a tube to normalize the flow of bile) and gastric bypass (formation of a bypass to move food past the tumor) are often performed. When an organ is affected by cancer, Whipple surgery is most often performed. It involves removing the tumor along with the head of the pancreas, part of the stomach, duodenum, affected lymph nodes and gall bladder.

Such treatment is carried out in the early stages of cancer development. This is the path to recovery. For cancer of the gland body that does not extend beyond the organ, complete resection can be performed. If the body and tail are affected, distal resection is performed. Its difference is that the head of the gland is preserved. Less commonly, treatment involves removing only the central part of the organ (body). In this case, the remaining fragments of the gland are stitched together. Resection is used at an early stage of tumor development, when there are no distant metastases.

In advanced cases, standard operations do not help. For multiple metastatic foci, palliative treatment is carried out. Its goal is to prolong human life. The objectives of palliative therapy are:

• elimination of bleeding;
• facilitating the outflow of bile;
• elimination of intestinal obstruction;
• maintaining vital body functions;
• elimination of chronic pain;
• elimination of intoxication.

If necessary, the doctor removes metastases, but they can reappear in other organs. Pancreas transplantation is not performed for cancer. Along with surgical treatment, chemotherapy is widely used. This is a therapy method that involves introducing toxic substances into the body that destroy tumor cells.

The use of chemical drugs for gland cancer can prolong the patient’s life by 6–9 months and improve the general condition. Treatment is carried out in courses. This involves using one or more medications. When conducting chemotherapy, the following are most often used: Gemcitabine, Gemita, Ongetsin, Gemcitar, Platidiam and Fluorouracil.

These medications are administered by injection. Some medications are toxic to humans and may cause the following side effects:

• hair loss;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• neurological symptoms.

When using chemotherapy drugs, you must adhere to the following rules:

• drink more fluids;
• do not take pills;
• diversify your diet.

Targeted therapy is widely used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Patients are prescribed drugs that have virtually no toxic effect on healthy cells. This reduces the risk of unwanted reactions. The drug Erlotinib has a good effect.

When the pancreatic ducts are compressed by a cancerous tumor, immunotherapy may be performed. This is a method of treating the disease based on the use of drugs from the group of monoclonal antibodies. For gland cancer, symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Painkillers (Analgin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Tramadol, Promedol, Prosidol, Fentanyl), antiemetics (Cerucal) and antihistamines (Zodak, Cetrin, Zirtec) are prescribed. The latter help eliminate itching. If the bile ducts are compressed, drugs that reduce cholesterol synthesis may be prescribed. If there is a relapse of the tumor, enzymes (Creon, Mezim, Panzinorm) are included in the treatment regimen. They help improve the digestion process.

An important aspect of therapy is proper nutrition. Patients need:

• give up fried, spicy and fatty foods;
• eat food warm;
• do not drink carbonated drinks and alcohol;
• reduce salt intake;
• give up sweets and baked goods;
• steam or bake dishes;
• enrich the diet with protein products.

For gland cancer, it is useful to eat low-fat dairy products, cereals, vegetables, fruits, lean meat and fish. It is necessary to exclude semi-finished products, spices, coffee and canned food from the menu. For pancreatic cancer, with the permission of a doctor, various folk remedies are used. These can be herbal decoctions, infusions or tinctures.

Gologolom (wild parsley) is widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors. The fruits, flowers and leaves of this plant are used. It stimulates hematopoiesis, eliminates inflammation and helps destroy cancer cells. This plant is toxic and should be used with caution. Traditional methods of treatment cannot replace surgery.

Prognosis and prevention

Pancreatic cancer often causes dangerous complications and premature death of a sick person. The prognosis for this oncological pathology is determined by the following factors:

• histological form of cancer;
• correctness and timeliness of treatment measures;
• the presence of metastases;
• concomitant pathology;
• presence of complications;
• age of patients;
• initial health status;
• stage of the disease.

If lymph nodes located far from the gland are affected by metastases, the prognosis worsens. The life expectancy of patients varies. If the malignant neoplasm has spread beyond the gland, then with active treatment the five-year survival rate is 20%.

In the absence of surgical assistance, death occurs within six months. Chemotherapy prolongs the life of patients. Stage IV pancreatic cancer has an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Only 4-5% of patients live more than a year. 2% of patients survive up to 5 years. Life expectancy with cancer depends on the intensity of the pain syndrome and the degree of tissue poisoning by toxins.

You can extend your life by:

• radical surgery;
• combination of palliative and radiation therapy;
• use of chemotherapy drugs;
• strict adherence to medical recommendations on lifestyle and nutrition.

The prognosis depends on what type of pancreatic cancer is detected. The greatest danger is caused by giant cell adenocarcinoma. With it, patients live about 8 weeks from the moment of diagnosis. Almost no one lives to see one year old. The prognosis for acinar pancreatic cancer is slightly better.

With it, the life expectancy of patients rarely exceeds 28 weeks. The five-year survival rate approaches 0%. Only 14% of patients survive to 1 year. The prognosis for ductal adenocarcinoma is more favorable. The five-year survival rate is 1%. The most favorable prognosis for health is observed with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. With it, every second patient who has undergone treatment survives to 5 years or more.

The prognosis depends on the correctness of the operation. Organ-preserving interventions do not always get rid of cancer cells. Inattentiveness and inexperience of the surgeon can worsen the prognosis. Age and health status are of great importance. For some patients over 60 years of age with cardiovascular pathology, surgery is contraindicated.

An important aspect of the prevention of pancreatic cancer is the prevention or timely treatment of chronic pancreatitis. To do this you need to stick to a diet. For pancreatitis, you need to avoid hot, spicy and cold foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, fatty meats, rich broths, lard, offal, bitter vegetables, spinach, legumes, fresh bread and puff pastry products.

As for drinks, it is useful to drink weak tea with lemon, rosehip infusion, jelly, juices, compotes and herbal infusions. You need to eat small portions 5-6 times a day. Such a diet ensures maximum organ sparing and reduces the risk of developing cancer in the future. If you have chronic pancreatitis, it is recommended to be treated in sanatoriums (Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki).

If necessary, patients are prescribed courses of choleretic drugs. For inflammation of the gland with secretory insufficiency outside of exacerbation, enzymes are indicated. To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, it is necessary to prevent helminthic infestation. Inflammation of the gland may be a consequence of opisthorchiasis.

In order to prevent it, it is necessary to clean water bodies, carry out sanitary and educational work, correctly follow the technology for preparing fish and subject it to proper heat treatment. When opisthorchiasis has already developed, Biltricid is prescribed. Preventing cancer in people with a hereditary predisposition is difficult. They are recommended to undergo annual laboratory and instrumental examinations.

If cancer has already been diagnosed, then secondary prevention is carried out. It is aimed at preventing complications and speedy recovery. Secondary prevention involves following all medical prescriptions (abstaining alcohol, following a diet). After removal of the tumor, to prevent its reappearance, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Content

This form of malignant neoplasm is rare, accounting for 4% of all cancers. Unfortunately, carcinoma - oncology of the pancreas - has a disappointing prognosis for cure, but recent studies show the effective use of radiotherapy and surgery. Improvement of treatment methods continues.

Causes of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic neoplasms occur in more than half of cases in patients over 50 years of age, predominantly in men rather than women. The number of such patients has been growing in recent years, which is associated with environmental deterioration and changes in dietary habits. Any part of an organ (body, or head, or tail) can be susceptible to a tumor, and has its own disease code according to the ICD classification. Head cancer accounts for over 70% of all cases, the most common type of tumor is adenocarcinoma, originating from the glandular epithelium of the gland.

The direct causes of pancreatic cancer have not yet been established, but factors influencing its occurrence are noted:

• diseases of the organ itself (chronic pancreatitis, cyst, polyps, adenoma);
• Crohn's disease;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• ulcerative colitis;
• diabetes;
• alcohol abuse, smoking;
• hereditary factor;
• physical inactivity;
• harmful production conditions (working with chemicals);
• cancer of other organs;
• obesity.

Among the reasons, improperly organized nutrition stands out separately. The risk of disease increases with an excess of fatty and meat products in food, excessive consumption of sausages and smoked meats. In a number of cancer patients, scientific research has noted that their diet is limited, with a predominance of foods with low levels of lycopene and selenium, antioxidants found in tomatoes, nuts, and cereals.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Cells with damaged DNA inevitably appear in the body; when immunity decreases against the background of reduced protective mechanisms, they begin to actively divide, which leads to oncology. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not appear until the 4th stage of the disease. The tumor is characterized as an asymptomatic disease that is difficult to recognize at the beginning. Its clinical picture differs in different patients, varying depending on the specific location of formation in the organ.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer in the early stages often resemble symptoms of other diseases with predominant pancreatic manifestations:

• abdominal pain, bloating;
• burning sensation in the stomach;
• diarrhea, presence of fat in stool;
• nausea, thirst;
• dark urine;
• loss of weight and appetite;
• lethargy, fever.

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

To confidently confirm the diagnosis, differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is necessary. Carrying out a set of initial blood and urine tests and liver tests only help to suggest the development of malignant neoplasms. How to check the pancreas for cancer? An accurate diagnosis can be determined by a number of examinations:

1. CT scan;
2. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
3. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography);
4. positron emission tomography;
5. endoscopic retrograde cholangiography;
6. laparoscopy (biopsy).

Advanced instrumental examination methods allow accurate diagnosis of a tumor. One of the main signs of oncology is considered to be stenosis of the organ duct, but sometimes with chronic pancreatitis differential diagnosis is difficult. The doctor makes a final medical conclusion only based on the results of a biopsy and histological examination.

Stages of pancreatic cancer

Tumor progression is classified into four phases. All of these stages of cancer have a high survival rate. It is noted that:

• With stage zero pancreatic cancer, the neoplasm is not recognized and there are no symptoms.
• The tumor in the 1st stage does not exceed 2 cm in diameter. All types of operations are allowed.
• In the 2nd phase, the neoplasm is localized in the body of the gland, its tail or head without metastases to neighboring organs. The stage combines radio/chemotherapy with surgical treatment, distal or total of the entire organ.

At stage 3, nerves and blood vessels are affected. The tumor is temporarily reduced by chemotherapy. Combined treatment, suppressing the lesion and preventing metastases in the pancreas, prolongs life by a year. At the last stage, cell growth is no longer controllable. Neoplasms involve the liver, bones and lungs. Ascites develops, a characteristic swelling of the peritoneum due to cancer. The distance of metastases from the center of the formation complicates treatment, which only relieves pain. Life expectancy in the 4th phase is no more than 5 years.

Pancreatic cancer treatment

A tumor of this organ is treated surgically. The earlier the patient is operated on, the more positive the prognosis. Patients with a benign tumor are usually cured completely. Pancreatic cancer cannot be cured; its course is unfavorable. Only 15% of patients undergo surgery, while in those who are inoperable, metastases to other tissues are observed.

In early cancer forms, pancreatoduodenal resection is performed, in which the organ itself (in whole or in part) and the duodenum are removed, followed by reconstructive restoration of the bile ducts. Treatment of pancreatic cancer involves other methods of prolonging life, delaying the death of the patient - radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which reduce tumor formations. To alleviate the manifestation of the disease and relieve pain, painkillers are used.

Diet for pancreatic cancer

Properly organized nutrition for pancreatic cancer is one of the components of recovery. Food must be boiled, baked or steamed with a minimum amount of salt, without spices. You should completely avoid smoked and fried foods. Weak coffee is recommended in small doses, tea – weakly brewed. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, confectionery and baked goods are prohibited. Oily fish is not recommended.

Prognosis for pancreatic cancer

How long do people live with pancreatic cancer? Only 3% of patients manage to live five years after final confirmation. When a malignant tumor is detected, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is unfavorable, not more than a year of life. The sad prognosis is explained by the detection of cancer in late phases (70% of diagnoses) and in elderly people, and therefore radical removal of the tumor is not feasible and it is impossible to cure the disease.

Prevention of pancreatic cancer

Measures to prevent this terrible disease are available to everyone. In the prevention of pancreatic cancer, a balanced diet without excesses, limiting spicy fatty foods and following a regular eating schedule plays a significant role. You will have to give up unhealthy habits (tobacco, alcohol abuse). It is necessary to undergo regular medical examinations, do preventive tests, and promptly treat pancreatic diseases.

Signs of pancreatic cancer

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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All over the world, cancer deaths are the second most common cause of death in the world.

The leading position still remains with cardiovascular diseases.

Unfortunately, many cases of oncology end in death, even despite the fact that modern doctors are making great efforts to find a cure for the terrible “plague of the 21st century.”

One of the most terrible forms of the disease is pancreatic cancer. As a rule, this disease has a dismal prognosis due to the fact that it can only be diagnosed at the last stage of development.

The thing is that people do not undergo regular examinations, but turn to the doctor only when they are faced with very painful symptoms.

If we look at the statistics, more than 22 percent of patients manage to overcome pancreatic cancer.

These data were taken into account that 6 percent of people were identified as having early-stage pancreatic cancer.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Pancreatic cancer develops under the influence of a number of factors. This process is greatly influenced by the environment and the poor lifestyle of people.

Precancerous conditions of the body can provoke pancreatic cancer.

These include the development of chronic inflammation in the gland, adenoma, cystic lesions, and recurrent hereditary pancreatitis.

With age, the likelihood of confirming the terrible diagnosis of pancreatic cancer increases. People over 55 years of age are at risk.

Smoking has an important influence on the development of pathology. Tobacco addiction provokes cancer and these are not just words.

Based on statistics, we can say that pancreatic cancer occurs in smokers 2-3 times more often than in people who do not have such a bad habit.

It is possible that other pathologies can also provoke cancer of the head of the pancreas, for example, diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, excess weight, unhealthy diet, when fats predominate in the diet.

Chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, β-naphthylamine, and benzidine have a negative effect on humans.

It is important to lead an active lifestyle; sedentary work can also cause disruptions in the body and trigger the development of a terrible disease - cancer of the head of the pancreas; in fact, the same diagnosis can be confirmed if a person constantly drinks alcohol.

Manifestation of gland cancer

Symptoms of gland cancer increase as the tumor gains momentum.

In the early stages, cancer of the head of the pancreas may not make itself felt at all.

There is a saying among doctors that “cancer doesn’t hurt.” Indeed, this fact carries a great danger, because potential patients do not seek help from a doctor on time.

The manifestation of the disease will be associated with a lack of appetite, attacks of fever, when the patient’s body temperature increases sharply.

It is possible that a person will suddenly lose weight and his skin will acquire a yellow tint. He may experience serious pain. Patients also often complain that they lose their appetite.

If we look at the symptoms of pancreatic cancer in women and men in more detail, it is worth noting that first of all, neoplasms make themselves felt by pain. It will depend on the location of the tumor.

Similar early signs of pancreatic cancer appear in 75 percent of patients.

They arise due to compression of the nerve trunks or penetration of the tumor through the tissue membrane.

Less commonly, pancreatic cancer can be a consequence of blockage of the gallbladder ducts or caused by peritonitis, when an exacerbation of an attack of pancreatitis is observed.

An inflammatory infection triggers the development of a cancerous process, which will subsequently make itself felt in the form of pain.

The first symptoms of pain may be girdling in nature or spread throughout the abdominal cavity, but also be localized, radiating to the area of ​​the right shoulder blade or back.

If a person complains of girdle pain, then a similar phenomenon is possible when the gallbladder ducts are blocked by a tumor.

Gradually, the pain syndrome will intensify, and even the skin areas will begin to turn yellow. Often, a similar development of events occurs if the head of the pancreas is affected.

Such symptoms of pancreatic cancer in women and men occur in 75 percent of cases.

The sign is specific to this type of pathology. Yellowing is caused by the fact that there is stagnation of bile in the biliary tract system.

It is triggered by the penetration of malignant areas that have entered the gallbladder duct.

Since the symptom is not caused by an infectious process, this process is mechanical.

Every day the jaundice gradually increases. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer at the next stage of development of the pathology boil down to the fact that the integument acquires a red tint, due to the accumulation of bilirubin.

It continues to oxidize, and therefore the skin acquires a greenish tint. Bile acids can irritate the receptors of the skin, and the disease progresses noticeably.

While the symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not appear in the earlier stages, later they become so intense that the itching does not allow a person to live in peace.

Itching provokes nervous outbursts and does not even allow you to sleep peacefully. Scratching marks, which are presented in multiple forms, may remain on the skin.

A sharp weight loss is observed, the patient ceases to feel the desire to eat even previously favorite foods.

It has also been noticed that meat or fatty foods seem disgusting to a person, apathy increases, as does weakness throughout the body.

Sometimes there may be attacks of vomiting or nausea. But the sequence of what symptoms gland cancer may have changes.

Itching may be the first sign of cancer, occurring even before the skin turns yellow. There are also situations when initially a person suddenly begins to lose weight.

Features of the structure of the gland

The importance of the pancreas should not be underestimated. The organ is part of the digestive system, responsible for multiple functions.

It is characterized by the fact that it has the same structure in both men and women. The gland is not a steam gland, it produces food enzymes, and is also responsible for the production of insulin.

Its structure consists of the structure of the body, tail and head. The body of the organ will be adjacent to the wall of the stomach, the tail to the spleen, and the head to the duodenum.

Therefore, depending on which part of the organ is defective, subsequent disruption of the work and structure of neighboring organs will occur.

As practice shows, in 70 percent of cases, a malignant tumor is located in the head of the pancreatic gland.

It develops on the basis of the epithelium. From statistics it is clear that in 90 percent of cases the tumor will have a similar structure as adenocarcinoma.

Only different degrees of malignancy vary. When the tumor is located in the tail area, the neoplasm occurs much less frequently.

5-7 percent of cases with similar developments of events have been recorded in practice. With total damage to the gland, 20 percent of people face a tumor that affects the body of the entire organ.

Clinical picture when diagnosing pathology

If a patient turns to a doctor for help in the early stages of developing glandular cancer, then when taking a blood test it is not always possible to note disturbances in the body’s functioning.

But advanced forms of pathologies are characterized by changes such as an increase in ESR, while hemoglobin may be significantly less than the prescribed norm.

Hyperbilirubinemia, hypoproteinemia, and increased alkaline phosphatase are also observed.

Doctors agree that the most effective analysis in this case would be testing for tumor markers.

Carbonic anhydrate glycoprotein is used to identify tumors. If a person is healthy, then the norm varies within 37 units. In the case of pancreatic gland oncology, the concentration of carbonic anhydrate glycoprotein will be several times higher, sometimes not only tens, but also hundreds and thousands.

It is important to note that if the body is experiencing the initial stage of oncology development, then the indicator may not exceed the acceptable standards, and therefore this method is not always relevant for use.

Sometimes, it is not needed at all, even if the patient is part of the group susceptible to cancer.

In recent years, scientists have made a lot of progress in this area. The high efficiency of the method for detecting the CA 494 antigen in the blood of people who were faced with an early stage of oncology was determined.

This method is especially useful when it is necessary to differentiate a malignant pathology from a chronic form of pancreatitis.

Diagnostic tests

One of the most accessible and justified methods for detecting pancreatic cancer today is an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.

Due to the qualifications of the doctor and the quality of the equipment used, a tumor can be detected if it is larger than 2 cm.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, it is necessary to clarify the size, position of the tumor, as well as to what extent it has involved nearby organs in the process.

The analysis is indeed very reliable, but very expensive. If the tumor is more than 3 cm in size, then CT will determine all of the above characteristics.

It is worth considering that this study is associated with a large dosage of x-ray radiation, so it does not need to be carried out frequently or in situations where its use can be dispensed with.

This study is comparable in information content to MRI. Only there are limiting factors for magnetic resonance imaging.

The examination cannot be carried out if there are metal implants in the body, which means metal plates, prosthetic joints, artificial heart valves and other devices that support the normal functioning of the body.

These methods, which help identify a tumor, make it possible to clarify the location of the lesion and the tumor area.

It will also be necessary to conduct positron emission tomography, which is aimed at identifying the tumor and the presence of metastasis.

For these purposes, a radionuclide must be introduced into the body. Cancer cells actively absorb this substance.

During this process, photographs are taken with a special device to help capture how the substance is distributed in the human body.

Such research is very important during the proposed operation.

It allows you to assess the volume required for surgery, as well as whether it is necessary to use additional treatment methods such as radiation or chemotherapy.

The description of methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer can go on for a long time, but the most important thing that needs to be clarified is that even at an early stage of the pathology, it is important to follow all the instructions of the attending physician.

You need to trust a specialist, ask questions of interest, and do not hesitate to say what exactly is bothering you. Every nuance in the treatment of oncology plays a big role.

Medicine does not stand still; new methods of treating pathology have been developed, even if recently some cases were recognized by doctors as inoperable.

All this indicates that there is a chance for recovery; you need to gain strength and faith in the best.

Medical therapy

The treatment course for oncology is never simple. Already at the first stage, when the diagnosis and causes of pancreatic cancer are clarified, many patients are faced with the need for palliative therapy.

These treatment methods boil down to creating conditions for a person to have a good quality of life.

Oncology is dangerous, but the risks increase significantly when the process of tumor development affects the bile ducts.

This fact is the main reason why such a symptom of pathology as jaundice is absent. From this we can conclude that treatment started late.

The main method of therapy will be the surgical method. But we must admit that it is not always possible.

In advanced stages of oncology, surgery is contraindicated, as well as in cases of severe general condition of the patient.

Surgical treatment will only be possible in 5-15 percent of people. The ability to perform surgery depends on the location of the tumor and the extent to which the process has spread.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the operation itself requires a special qualification from the surgeon. This is a very technically complex surgical intervention.

This is due to the fact that the pancreas, unlike other abdominal organs, does not have a membrane.

All this prevents the organ from joining the intestine when the surgeon performs the appropriate surgical procedures.

There are many blood vessels located near the organ, which provokes complications in the form of possible bleeding.

The operation will seriously affect the patient’s condition; a person with oncology is already exhausted. It is also important to take into account the fact that with bleeding there is a risk that metastasis will spread even more seriously throughout the body.

The thing is that metastases in cancer are cascading in nature; they spread with the blood to other organs.

It is clear that foci of oncology may appear, even far from the source of infection of the body.

Colonies of malignant cells enter the liver cavity through the portal vein and then visit the lungs. In the direction with the arterial bed, they move to other organs.

They are carried out even before operations in order to achieve an operable state, in other words, to reduce the extent of tumor spread by reducing its size.

The problem is that cancer cells of the gland are not always weakly resistant to the effects of chemotherapy drugs or radiation exposure. The funds component reaches them with difficulty.

Increasing the dosage of drugs and the intensity of the radiation regimen are unacceptable. The risk of increased side effects is quite high.

A tumor of the gland is capable of forming resistance to agents. The therapy mainly helps to improve the appearance of the skin of the human body by eliminating jaundice.

It is important to establish the patency of the small intestine, duodenum and bile duct.

It is necessary to reduce the severity of pain, restore the gland in the treatment of diabetes, and also remove other side effects.

Contacting the doctor

If you suspect pancreatic cancer, you should seek help from a gastroenterologist.

After a comprehensive examination, which includes radiation, endoscopic methods and some others to confirm the diagnosis, the patient will be referred to an oncologist.

Possible complications of oncology

At the moment, pancreatic cancer is considered to be one of the most severe forms of oncology.

In the case of gland cancer, the condition of not only the organ itself is seriously complicated, but also other complications from the hepatobiliary system.

In advanced stages of cancer, the tumor metastasizes, which leads to death.

Preventive measures

In fact, precise preventive measures to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer have not yet been created.

The thing is that the main factor in tumor development is pancreatitis. Those. From this we can conclude that everything must be done to prevent the development of inflammation in the pancreatic gland.

According to data obtained from the American Cancer Society, there were 42,470 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in 2009.

Of these, 35,240 cases resulted in death. In recent years, the risk of developing pathology has gradually subsided, but the mortality rate remains at the same level.

In the United States, pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of death in the country.

The risk of developing the disease throughout your life is 1 in 72 cases. Both women and men suffer from the pathology equally. The risk may vary due to certain risk factors.

If we again turn to research, the development of the disease can be affected by the DNA of the cells of the organ itself.

Their disrupted formula entails unhealthy development of the cellular system, which provokes the formation of tumors.

Researchers have made major breakthroughs in understanding how DNA changes cause a DNA-healthy cell to develop a tumor.

It was possible to understand that DNA can mutate and activate oncogenes during this process. They become the reason for turning off tumor suppression genes.

DNA is associated with some carcinogenic familial syndromes, congenital mutations cause a very high risk of developing certain tumors, increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer.

It turned out during research that in 10 percent of cases of oncology it was DNA that became the reason for such an unfavorable diagnosis.

Sometimes they have a relationship with other types of cancer. It would be helpful to have a doctor who understands hereditary cancer syndromes. After all, these cells can be adopted from your closest relatives.

conclusions

To summarize, it is worth noting that representatives of the American Cancer Society recommend that all people undergo genetic testing to understand how prone the body is to cancer.

There are many new screenings available to identify people at risk.

Also, cell mutations can be acquired, and therefore it is necessary to eliminate bad habits, try to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a normal weight, and promptly treat pathologies that have developed in the body, taking into account competently developed therapy by a specialist.

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