The article introduces the six different stages of pancreatic cancer. The early clinical diagnosis of cancer is important in order for patients to develop a personalized cancer treatment and management plan.
Introduction to Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that originates in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach in the abdomen. It produces enzymes that help to break down food and hormones that help to control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer can either be exocrine or endocrine.
Exocrine pancreatic cancers are by far the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 95% of all cases. These cancers develop from the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. The two most common types of exocrine pancreatic cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of exocrine pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 80% to 85% of all cases. This type of cancer starts in the cells that make up the mucus-producing glands of the pancreas. Squamous cell carcinoma makes up 5% to 10% of all exocrine pancreatic cancers. This cancer begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells.
Endocrine pancreatic tumors are much less common than exocrine tumors, accounting for only about 1% to 2% of all pancreatic cancers. These tumors start in hormone-producing cells of the pancreas and can be functional or nonfunctional. Functional endocrine tumors secrete excess hormones into the bloodstream, whereas nonfunctional endocrine tumors do not.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
1. Genetics
Pancreatic cancer is caused by genetic mutations that occur over time. These mutations cause cells to become abnormal and uncontrollable. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at late stages due to its symptoms being similar to those of many other conditions.
2. Tobacco use
Smoking tobacco products increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes increases the amount of toxins released into the body. These toxins cause DNA damage and mutations.
3. Alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Excessive alcohol intake damages DNA and causes mutations.
4. Obesity
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Being overweight means having excess fat around the waistline. Being obese means having excess weight throughout the entire body.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. People who have diabetes are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people without diabetes.
6. Chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own organs. Inflammation can lead to the formation of tumors.
7. Diet
A diet high in red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and refined sugar increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. A diet low in fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of pancreatic cancers.
If you're experiencing any abdominal pain, jaundice, or weight loss, it could be pancreatic cancer. Contact your pancreatic cancer specialist immediately for a consultation.
What are the different types of pancreatic cancers?
There are four basic types of pancreatic cancer:
- Adenocarcinoma,
- Neuroendocrine Tumor,
- Acinar cell Carcinoma, and
- Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma. Neuroendocrine tumors are rarer than adenocarcinomas. Solid pseudopapillary neplasms are even less common.
Adenocarcinoma is also called ductal adenocarcinome. Ductal adenocarcimona begins in the cells lining the inside of the pancreas’ ducts. These ducts connect the pancreas to the liver, stomach, intestines, and bile ducts. Adenocarcinomas begin in the cells lining these ducts.
Hormones produced by endocrine glands regulate many bodily processes. Endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate many body processes. Neuroendocrine tumors start in the cells of the endocrine system.
Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer that starts in the exocrine (digestive) cells of the pancreas. Exocrine cells make enzymes that help break down food. Acinar cell carcinomas start in the exocrine cells of the pancrease.
Solid pseudopapillary neuplasms are rare tumors that start in the pancreas‘ cells that line blood vessels. Blood vessel cells are called pericytes. Solid pseudopapillar neoplasms start in the pericytes of the blood vessels.
What are the six survival phases of pancreatic cancer?
There are six survival phases of pancreatic cancer, and they are as follows:
- Pre-diagnosis
- Immediately post-diagnosis
- After treatment begins
- Receiving a positive prognosis
- Dealing with recurrence
- End of life
Each stage of pancreatic cancer brings its own unique challenges and stresses. Learning about the different phases can help you better understand what to expect and how to cope with each one.
Stages one and two: Locoregional treatments with surgery/linac beam radiation therapy or chemotherapy
In stage one and two pancreatic cancer, the cancer is confined to the pancreas. The goal of locoregional treatments at this stage is to remove as much of the cancer as possible while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.
Surgery is the most common treatment for stage one and two pancreatic cancer. The type of surgery required is determined by the size and location of the tumor. If the tumor is small and localized, a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) may be performed. During this procedure, part of the stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct are removed along with the pancreas. If the tumor is large or has spread to nearby tissues, a total pancreatectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the entire pancreas, stomach, spleen, and portion of the small intestine.
Radiation therapy may also be used in conjunction with surgery for stage one and two pancreatic cancer. Linac beam radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink tumors prior to surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Stage three: Treatment locally with chemo and/or radiation
If you have cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or organs, you may be treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. These treatments aim to kill the cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Chemotherapy is typically administered intravenously (through an IV), meaning the drugs are delivered directly into your bloodstream. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered externally, from a machine outside your body, or internally, from radioactive material placed in or near the tumor.
Your oncologist will plan your pancreatic cancer treatment based on the stage and location of your cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences.
Stage four: Treatment often done in a hospital
If you’ve reached stage four, it means the cancer has progressed and spread to other organs in the body. treatment is typically done in a cancer hospital setting and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used in combination with radiation therapy. common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased risk of infection.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy. common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin irritation, and diarrhea.
Read more about Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Surgery may be an option for some people with stage four pancreatic cancer. The most common type of surgery is a whipple procedure, which involves removing part of the pancreas as well as the bile duct, small intestine, stomach, and part of the intestines.
Stage five: The fight against pancreatic cancer seems intense despite the stages left; you should discover more about stage five.
The final stage of pancreatic cancer is when the tumor has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum. This means that the chances of survival are much lower, as the cancer is now more difficult to treat.
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to treat successfully because it is often not diagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body.
However, there are still treatment options available and it is important to speak with your pancreatic specialist about all of your options.
Takeaways:
Overall, it is important to be aware of the six survival phases of pancreatic cancer, as well as the symptoms and treatments associated with each stage. By understanding the disease and its progression, patients and their loved ones can be better prepared for what to expect. With early detection and proper treatment, many people with pancreatic cancer can go on to live long and healthy lives.
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