Pancreatic Cancer

1. Overview:

Pancreatic cancer starts at the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen behind the stomach. It is often a severe and fatal disease, with only around 10% of patients surviving five years at least after diagnosis.

Abdominal pain and jaundice symptoms like yellowing of the skin and eyes, weight loss, low appetite, and digestive issues are few of the symptoms that might appear as this cancer develops. So, early-stage pancreatic cancer is typically symptom-free. Therefore, it is a challenge to identify and cure.

Pancreatic cancer can take many distinct forms. They are;

• Exocrine tumors begin in the digestive enzymes producing cells.
• Neuroendocrine tumors start at the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas
• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for roughly 85% of cases and is the most prevalent pancreatic cancer.

In modern medicine, there are many best pancreatic cancer treatment in hyderabad that include treatment options for pancreatic cancer depending on its stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Remember that early detection is essential for successful treatment and improved outcomes.

Pancreas:

This organ is located below the stomach. It has a large head, a small pointed tail, and a body that tapers much like a fish. It is less than 5 centimeters wide and approximately 6 inches long in adults.

The location is the right side of the abdomen, behind where the stomach joins the duodenum. This is where the pancreatic head is located (the beginning of the small intestine). And, on the left of the abdomen, close to the spleen, is where the tail of the pancreas is located.

2. Types of Pancreatic Cancer:

Depending on whether the disease started in the exocrine or endocrine component of the pancreas, there are various forms of pancreatic cancer.

Exocrine tumors:

These pancreatic cancers are the most prevalent kind today. We generally describe this with the most common term as pancreatic cancer. Adenocarcinoma is the name given to the typical type of exocrine cancer. Because it can grow in the glandular tissue that lines several internal organs, remember that adenocarcinoma is not just found in the pancreas. These tumors, known as ductal adenocarcinomas, commonly begin in the pancreatic ducts. A rare tumor occurs in the Acini and Acinar cell carcinoma.

With this, the Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) diagnosis is becoming more prevalent today. An IPMN is a tumor that develops in the pancreatic ducts and produces mucin, a viscous fluid. Pancreatic ducts transport liquids from the pancreas to the colon to aid digestion. IPMN is not considered cancer when it first develops. But if left untreated, it may turn cancerous in the future. In most cases, by the time IPMN is discovered, it may have already progressed and developed into a malignancy.

With the above types, there are many rare types of pancreatic cancers, and below is the list of them:

• Acinar Cell Carcinoma
• Adenosquamous Carcinoma
• Colloid Carcinoma
• Giant cell tumor
• Hepatoid Carcinoma
• Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms
• Pancreatoblastoma
• Serous cystadenoma
• Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma
• Solid and Pseudopapillary Tumors
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• And undifferentiated carcinoma.

Endocrine tumors:

These tumors are also called Islet cell tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). But they account for just around 7% of all pancreatic cancers. And these tumors are significantly fewer than exocrine tumors. 

Compared to pancreatic cancer, which we generally think about, the Endocrine tumor is entirely different. Most cases state that a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor can be active or inactive. Also, if a tumor grows, it can produce hormones. Hormones are not made by a cancer that is not working. The functioning tumor is named after the cells or the hormone they produce. Below is the list for your reference.

• Insulinoma
• Glucagonoma
• Gastrinoma
• Somatostatinoma
• VIPomas
• PPomas

3. What could be the risk factors of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer does not have a determined cause. A person with an average risk of acquiring pancreatic cancer has a 1% probability. Around 90% of pancreatic cancers are thought to be occurring at regular places in regular intervals in nature. Somatic mutations also refer to genetic changes that happen accidentally after a person’s birth and result in cancer. There is no chance that one’s son/daughter may inherit these genetic alterations.

The following factors may generally increase the probability that someone may acquire pancreatic cancer:

Age: As people age, their chance of getting pancreatic cancer also increases. Pancreatic cancer typically affects adults over the age of 45. As per statistics, 70% of people are over 65, and 90% are over 55. 

Gender: According to statistics, pancreatic cancer affects men more frequently than women.

Smoking: Smokers have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer when compared to non-smokers. 

Obesity and Alcohol: According to research, obesity and those who are overweight are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Frequent consumption of fatty meals increases your risk of pancreatic cancer. In addition, heavy drinking can also raise the chance of developing pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes: Several studies have indicated that having diabetes raises the chance of getting pancreatic cancer. It happens if the person has had the condition for a long time. Moreover, new-onset diabetes, which appears unexpectedly in adults, can be a precursor to pancreatic cancer. 

So, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone with diabetes or who receives a diabetes diagnosis as an adult has pancreatic cancer. 

Inheritance: The chance of developing other cancers may be increased if a family history of the disease or genetic abnormalities associated with pancreatic cancer exists. Therefore, it is advised to note your family’s history of medical issues. 

Chronic pancreatitis: Pancreatitis comes from the inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatic disease is often painful. According to several studies, having chronic pancreatitis may make you more likely to have pancreatic cancer.

Chemicals: Exposure to some substances, including benzene, dyes, and pesticides, may increase the chance of developing pancreatic cancer. Even certain bacteria like Helicobacter pylori that can cause inflammation in the stomach can support pancreatic cancer.

Infection – Hepatitis B: Generally, the liver will be infected by hepatitis viruses. According to one study, patients with pancreatic cancer often had a history of hepatitis B twice as frequently as those without this disease.

Cirrhosis: Although pancreatic cancer can occur from cirrhosis, liver cancer is the most frequent complication. This condition results from liver cells being destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. Hepatitis viruses, an excess of iron in the liver, and several forms of chronic liver disease are other causes.

4. Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:

You can observe the following signs or symptoms in pancreatic cancer patients. Changes in the body that one may feel can be the symptoms. consider some signs such as changes in diagnosis reports, such as the blood pressure or the lab test results.

Signs and symptoms can be used to characterize this medical condition. It is vital to understand that Pancreatic cancer patients can show none of the warning signs and symptoms listed below. Conversely, a medical disease other than cancer may be to blame for a symptom or sign’s occurrence.

Due to the lack of early-stage signs, doctors frequently refer to pancreatic cancer as a silent disease. Also, no specific tests are available to detect cancer in asymptomatic persons. When people experience symptoms, they frequently resemble those of other illnesses, such as pancreatitis or an ulcer. Still, below are some of the crucial symptoms that emerge when cancer spreads;

• Itching, dark urine, yellowing of the skin that includes gums and the inner lips, and clay-colored stools are all symptoms of jaundice, which happens by a blockage of the bile ducts.
• Upper abdominal, back, or arm pain & painful blood clot-related swelling of the arm or leg.
• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Abdominal bloating and greasy feces or float with a strong odor (this indicates that the body cannot process fats.
• Weakness, reduced appetite, nausea, and diarrhea
• Sweats and chills, fever, sudden weight loss

Resectable Cancer:

It could be surgically removed. Here, the tumor did not spread upon any significant arteries or veins in the region, whether exclusively in the pancreas or extending beyond it. No indication exists that the cancer has migrated outside of the pancreas. This stage affects 10% to 15% of people, on average.

Borderline Resectable Cancer:

When a tumor is first diagnosed, it may be difficult to remove surgically. But, if chemotherapy and radiation therapy can reduce the size of the cancer, subsequent surgery may be possible to delete the tumor. 

Locally Advanced:

This specific type of pancreatic cancer is still only found around the pancreas. No indications exist that it has spread to other sections of the body. This stage is identified in between 35% and 40% of cases. But surgery is not an option since it has spread into or very close to neighboring arteries, veins, or organs, where the process can damage the nearby tissues.

Pancreatic Cancer – Stage Groups:

Any cancer stages are used to describe the spread of cancer within the body, which helps determine the appropriate treatment options in any top pancreatic cancer hospital in hyderabad

Here is a detailed overview of the stages involved in pancreatic cancer:

Stage 0:

The term “carcinoma in situ” refers to this stage. It denotes that the cancer cells are contained in the lining of the pancreatic ducts and still do not spread to other organs or body tissues. Generally, you will not find any symptoms at this stage. Hence, it might be challenging to diagnose pancreatic cancer.

Stage I:

Here, the cancer has begun to spread into the tissues after growing through the lining of the pancreatic duct. Also, it has not yet affected other neighboring organs or lymph nodes. Probably, this is the preferable time for eradicating cancer provided by surgery, which is typically the chosen course of action at this point.

Stage II:

Although it has not yet migrated to other organs, the tumor has migrated to neighboring lymph nodes. Cancer has gotten bigger and is infringing on neighboring blood arteries too. 

Stage III:

The cancer has spread to adjacent organs and blood arteries from the pancreas at this stage. There is a chance that it might likewise affect lymph nodes close by. It might not be curative for a few people, even after surgery.

Stage IV:

The liver or lungs are two distant organs. But this stage defines that the cancer has already spread at this point. At this point, surgery is typically not a possibility. Therefore, the only option is to focus on symptom management and quality of life enhancement.

Recurrent pancreatic cancer:

It is when the cancer recurs after treatment. In such cases, the tumor may return to the original site of the disease or spread to another body part.

Note: The above stages are based on the TNM staging approach, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis. The TNM approach considers the tumor’s size if it has spread to any other body areas, and whether it has migrated to neighboring lymph nodes. Always remember this.

6. How to prevent cancer?

Pancreatic cancer cannot be avoided entirely in specific known ways. But there are numerous things that best pancreatic cancer hospital in hyderabad suggests for you that may do to lower your risk.

Stop smoking: 

One of the important risk factors for pancreatic cancer is smoking. So, if you are used to it, quitting smoking is the best step to lower your risk.

Maintain a healthy weight: 

The risk of developing pancreatic cancer can rise if you are overweight or obese. So, focus on maintaining a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising.

Eat a healthy diet: 

There is a chance to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and grains and low/try to quit in red and processed meats.

Limit alcohol consumption: 

Eating a vegetarian diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Manage diabetes: 

Seek advice from the doctor to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. The risk of pancreatic cancer is usually linked to high blood sugar levels.

Consider genetic testing: 

Talk to your doctor to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes because the risk of pancreatic cancer is linked to high blood sugar levels.

Get regular check-ups: 

Your doctor might advise routine check-ups for your pancreas and spot any changes early on if you have a risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

7. How Punarjan Ayurveda Treats Pancreatic Cancer?

Punarjan Ayurveda: Unveiling a Pancreatic Cancer Paradigm!

With advanced implementations of ayurveda, we made it possible to blend complexity with resilience. In this relentless war against pancreatic cancer, many believers come through the corridors of Punarjan Ayurveda.  Our wellness temple is rooted with ancient wisdom embracing a holistic treatment.

Every individual’s pain with pancreatic cancer is acknowledged with compassion. An esteemed team of Ayurvedic practitioners intimately collaborates with patients, cultivating empathy and treatment stratagems.

Harvesting the synergistic potency of Ayurvedic elixirs, Punarjan Ayurveda espouses a comprehensive doctrine that dismantles pancreatic cancer. 

Our arsenal of treatments goes beyond the realm of physical recovery; resonating in the lanes of spiritual health. While we compassionately offer an emotional anchor throughout the mystic crucible of ayurveda, the awareness of the mind-body interaction is our testament.

With an unwavering love for Mother Nature, Punarjan Ayurveda combines potent herbal regimens that are rooted in centuries-old knowledge of the Indian Subcontinent. These celestial Rasayana Ayurveda combinations are expertly administered by our dedicated ayurvedic practitioners. This represents a precise synthesis of ancient tradition and contemporary knowledge that harnesses the height of medicinal expertise.

Our philosophy is the empowerment of the patient. It is an artful form of education that reverberates far beyond cancer treatment. We guide you through this voyage, facilitating you with choices of well-being, even in the sacred realm that lies beyond the deadly gaze of cancer.

8. Our pancreatic Cancer Survivors Story