Pancreatic cancer develops in exocrine digestive enzyme cells (93% ductal adenocarcinoma) or endocrine hormone cells. Low 5-year survival rate (~12%).
Location, Causes & Symptoms
Location: 65-70% occur in the head of pancreas near duodenum.
Causes: DNA mutations, tobacco smoking, type 2 diabetes, obesity, family history (Lynch/BRCA), chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol.
Symptoms: Belly pain to back, appetite/weight loss, Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), light floating stool, dark urine, itchy skin, worsening diabetes, fatigue.
Diagnostics & Whipple Resection
Diagnostics: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy, CA19-9 tumor marker blood test, Genetic testing.
Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy, Surgery (Whipple procedure pancreaticoduodenectomy), Palliative care.
Maintenance: Pancreatic enzyme supplements (PERT), small frequent meals, blood sugar monitoring.