Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: Summary
Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a “silent killer” because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms, and the later symptoms are usually nonspecific and varied. Signs and pancreatic cancer symptoms often don’t occur until the disease is advanced.
Where is the pancreas located?
The pancreas, a pear-shaped gland about six inches long, is located between the stomach and the backbone. The two main functions of the pancreas are to produce enzymes for digestion and to secrete hormones. There are three types of pancreatic enzymes:
Lipase: Along with liver bile, processes fat molecules so they can be used by the body
Proteases: Processes proteins and kills bacteria in the intestine
Amylase: Processes carbohydrates so they too can be used by the body
As for the hormones the pancreas secretes, they are insulin and glucagon. Insulin ensures your cells receive the proper blood sugar necessary for life. Insulin converts almost half of your dietary carbohydrate to fat for storage. However, it also drives your body to use more carbohydrate, and less fat, as fuel.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms – What is cancer and how does it affect the pancreas?
Cancer generally develops in three phases, which can take years–even decades–to fully evolve. The first phase is Initiation. In this phase, the hereditary nature of your genes or
exposure to toxic substances causes genetic mutations at the cellular level. In the second phase, called Promotion, cells in not-yet malignant tissue begins to grow uncontrollably, usually with inflammatory stimulus. The third phase of cancer development, Progression, is where tumors spread to the blood and lymph nodes. Full malignancy and even metastases are present at this.stage.
As for pancreatic cancer specifically, remember the three enzymes I discussed earlier that are created in the pancreas? These enzymes are released into ducts that connect the pancreas to other organs. Generall, this is where cells start proliferating. According to the Hirshberg Foundation, 90% of pancreatic cancer is this type described here, ductal
adenocarcinoma.
How common is pancreatic cancer and who is at risk?
In the USA pancreatic cancer contributed to 34 600 estimated deaths in 2010 of an estimated 34 650 new pancreatic cancer cases. While general cancer survival rates have increased recently, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer has decreased. Pancreatic cancer makes up 2% of all cancers diagnosed in the US annually, yet is causes 5% of its deaths. Pancreatic cancer kills more people within the first 12 months than any other cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates 32,000 Americans will be diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer per year. Only one in 25 of those 32,000 will live for 12 months or longer.Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer. Only cancer of
the breast, lung, colon, and prostate claims more lives annually.
Common Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
One of the main reasons pancreatic cancer is so deadly is because there are no obvious symptoms. For example, with breast cancer, a woman might notice a lump in her breast. Not so with pancreatic cancer–its symptoms are fairly generic.
Yellow-ish skin (jaundice), due to clogged pancreatic ducts. Jaundice can also cause you to feel itchy. However, only about half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
have jaundice-like symptoms.
Pain or tenderness in the area where your pancreas is located (your upper abdomen, between your spine and stomach). The pain may be worse after eating.
You may also have visible swelling in this area. Weight loss or loss of appetite, possibly accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Feeling tired constantly, fever and signs of producing too much insulin–such as dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, muscle spasms, and rapid pulse.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms – Risk factors
Smoking is by far the most important risk factor accounting for approximately 25 % of pancreatic cancers. Smokers show a two-fold increased risk for pancreatic cancer compared with non-smokers. Chronic pancreatitis is a well-documented risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It is postulated that high cell turnover associated with chronic pancreatitis ( either acquired or hereditary) predisposes to pancreatic cancer especially in the setting of defective DNA repair mechanisms.
Suffering from pancreatic cancer symptoms may indicate the need for further medical advice. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can indicate the presence of this serious disease, but early detection can lead to effective treatment.