Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis

1. 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.. Source:www.dramitgisurgeon.com