Signs of Pancreatic cancer (Tumor)

Description

A cancerous growth of the pancreas. The pancreas is the organ in the abdomen that produces insulin and digestive juices. This disorder is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the US and greater than 50% of all patients with this cancer die. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer, adenocarcinoma and endocrine tumors with the endocrine tumors being more rare.

Symptoms

Weight loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, indigestion, back pain, clay-colored stools, paleness, depression.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the disease and define the extent include: ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), abdominal CT scan, pancreatic biopsy, abdominal ultrasound, and/or abdominal MRI.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Lipase
UA
X-Ray
CT Scan
MRI
Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of pancreatic cancer, the size of the tumor and the health of the patient. Only about 20% of pancreatic tumors can be removed by surgery. A pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is the standard procedure. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended when the tumor is confined to the pancreas but cannot be removed. If there are metastasis chemotherapy alone is usually used. Surgery and placement of a biliary stent is performed for biliary obstruction. For more information contact the American Cancer Society: (800)227-2345