Pancreatic Cancer

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a tumor (growth) that develops in the pancreas. Normally, the cells in our body divide (split) only when needed. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide without control or order, often making too much tissue called a tumor. Cancer cells may grow into nearby healthy tissue. They may also break away from the tumor, and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Once they have spread, cancer cells are harder to control.

Why is the pancreas important?

The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach. The pancreas helps you digest food by making digestive enzymes. The pancreas also makes hormones such as insulin and glucagon that helps to balance blood sugar.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

Caregivers do not know exactly what causes pancreatic cancer. The following may put you at higher risk for getting pancreatic cancer:

• Having a close family member who also had pancreatic cancer, or other diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis.
  
  
• Having had pancreatitis many times before.
  
  
• Developing diabetes as an adult.
  
  
• Smoking cigarettes a lot.
  
  
• Eating foods high in fat, such as fried foods.
  
  
• Working with chemicals such as gasoline.

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

• During the early stages of pancreatic cancer there are usually no signs or symptoms. The tumor may have grown and spread outside the pancreas by the time you experience symptoms. The main signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:
  
  
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes).
    
    
  • Lower back pain that does not go away.
    
    
  • Losing weight without trying.
  
  

• Other problems that pancreatic cancer may cause in your body are:
  
  
  • Itchy skin.
    
    
  • Loss of appetite and body weakness.
    
    
  • Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

You may need one or more of the following tests:

• Abdominal ultrasound: This test is done so caregivers can see the tissues and organs of your abdomen. Gel will be put on your abdomen and a small sensor will be moved across your abdomen. The sensor uses sound waves to send pictures of your abdomen to a TV-like screen.
  
  
• CT scan. This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your pancreas and nearby organs. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab), because you may also be allergic to this dye.
  
  
• MRI. This test is called magnetic resonance imaging. MRI allows caregivers to see inside your body. Pictures of your stomach will be taken to see if the pancreatic cancer has spread. You will need to lay still during an MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch or any metal object. This can cause serious injury.
  
  
• Tissue biopsy. In a biopsy, your caregiver removes a small part of the tumor. The tissue sample is then sent to the lab for tests to grade how bad the cancer is.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

• Early stage. The main treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery to remove the tumor. This is done on tumors that are small and have not spread to other parts of the body.
  
  
• Late stage. If the pancreatic cancer cannot be operated on, other treatments are done to decrease the pain and make you feel more comfortable.
  
  
  • Your caregiver may place a stent (tube) in the bile duct to decrease jaundice.
    
    
  • Your caregiver may give you anticancer medicines called chemotherapy.

Where can I get support, and find more information?

Pancreatic cancer is a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have cancer is hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, depressed, angry, or sad. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a cancer support group. This is a group of people who also have pancreatic cancer. Contact the following for more information.

• American Cancer Society
  250 Williams Street
  Atlanta , GA 30303
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
  Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
  

• Cancer Information Service
  Cancer Information Service
  Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
  Web Address: http://www.nci.nih.gov
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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