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How to test for pancreatic cancer?
(June 1, 2010)
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Testing For Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas refer to an organ that lies in the abdomen, mainly the upper part situated beneath the stomach. It basically lies adjacent to the duodenum. It contains endocrine glands and exocrine which perform the task of creating hormones, insulin, and pancreatic juices. Enzymes or pancreatic juices help to digest proteins, fat and carbohydrates.
Cancer refers to out-of-control and rapid cell growth. Pancreatic cancer affects a person when the cells begin to grow in number in the pancreas. The exocrine glands, Adenocarcinoma are known to cause the most common type of pancreatic cancer. . The endocrine glands present in the pancreas result in a cancer that is known as islet cell tumor or pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Being completely resistant to medical treatment, surgery is the only way to cure the cancer.
Causes of pancreatic cancer:
• Smoking
• Aging
• Sex—the male-to-female ratio with regards to pancreatic cancer is 1.3:1.
• Gallstones
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Diabetes mellitus
• Family history.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
• Pain in the abdomen and back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Alcoholic stool (pale or grey stool)
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Itchy Skin.
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are generally vague and the lack of specific symptoms means that most cases of pancreatic cancer are detected at the advanced stages only. You must immediately seek medical attention if any of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer occur.
Tests for pancreatic cancer
The doctor begins with a physical examination to check the mass in the center of the abdomen. He or she checks the skin and eyes for signs of jaundice. The doctor also checks for ascites, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. An imaging test is always performed if the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are persistent. The main imaging tests used to help detect pancreatic cancer are:
• Lab tests: The doctor may take blood, urine, and stool samples to check for bilirubin and other substances. High bilirubin levels can result from cancer or from noncancerous conditions.
• Abdominal ultrasound: It is an initial test and is effective at looking for gallstones. If the results confirm the presence of a pancreatic tumor, a CT scan is still necessary to obtain detailed information.
• Abdominal computed tomography (CT): A CT scan can detect small tumors in the pancreas and can accurately show whether the mass has extended beyond the pancreas to nearby blood vessels and organs.
• Biopsy: A biopsy can be performed in two different ways. A percutaneous biopsy is painless and performed by inserting a needle into the body from the skin. Endoscopic biopsy is performed by inserting a flexible tube (endoscope) through the mouth, into the stomach, and then into the duodenum.
• CA 19-9: This is a blood test and CA 19-9 level is elevated in 80% of pancreatic cancer cases. Checking the CA 19-9 levels can be a useful gauge.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): It is performed to see the pancreas, its ducts, and the bile ducts more clearly and confirm the pancreatic cancer, if any.
The extent of cancer can be localized (confined within the pancreas), locally advanced (cancer extends from the pancreas to the nearby blood vessels or organs) and metastatic (cancer spreads to other parts of the body).The treatment methodology will depend on a number of factors such as:
• Type of cancer
• Which stage the cancer is in
• Patient’s medical condition and medical history.
The most commonly used treatments for pancreatic cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
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Submitted by M T on June 1, 2010 at 08:32
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