What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease
where cancerous cells are formed in the tissues of the pancreas. These tissues
are a vital endocrine organ which is located behind the stomach and in front of
the spine. Our pancreas plays an important role in digestion as it produces
enzymes which our body requires digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Our pancreas also produces two important hormones such as Glucagon and Insulin.
These hormones are responsible for controlling glucose metabolism in the body.
Majority of pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells. Locating pancreatic
cancer can be very difficult. Pancreatic cancer is more often diagnosed in more
advanced stages of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can
be very mild they may not cause any early signs or symptoms. Following are some
of the common symptoms that may occur:-
• Jaundice.
• Light-colored stools.
• Depression.
• Blood clots.
• Jaundice.
• Gallbladder enlargement.
• Pain.
• Weight loss.
• Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back.
• Dark urine.
• Feeling very tired.
• Loss of appetite.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer
depends upon the following points:-
• Stage of pancreatic cancer.
• Spread of cancer cells.
• Location of cancer.
• Overall health of the patient.
There are different types of
treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer.
1. Surgery:
- One of the following types of surgery may be used
to take out the tumor
• Distal pancreatectomy: - The body and the tail of
the pancreas and in some cases the spleen is removed.
• Total pancreatectomy: - In this type of surgery
entire pancreas, common bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, part of the stomach,
part of the small intestine and some nearby lymph nodes are removed completely.
• Whipple procedure: - In this type of surgery the
part of the stomach, head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine the
gallbladder, and the bile duct are removed. This surgery leaves enough amount
of pancreas to produce digestive juices and insulin in the body.
Radiation therapy
Use of high-energy x-rays or
other types of radiations is done to kill the cells in the body and keep them
from growing further. Depending upon the type and stage of cancer radiation
therapy is used to treat the patient. Generally, there are two types of
radiation therapy:-
• External radiation therapy: -In this type a
machine is used from outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer
cells.
• Internal radiation therapy: - In this type radioactive
substance are sealed in the wires, catheters, seeds or needles. These sealed
substances are placed directly into or near the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to stop
the growth of cancer cells in the body by stopping them or dividing them. This
therapy is given by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle. The drugs then
enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body. When
chemotherapy is placed directly into an organ or a body the drugs affect the
cancer cells in those particular areas. The way this therapy is given depends
on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of
treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific
cancer cells without harming normal cells. Drugs used in targeted therapy
blocks the signals needed for tumors to grow.
Pancreatic cancer treatment in India
Treatment for pancreatic cancer
is very expensive in western countries but in India, its treatment is available
at a very affordable price. Treatments for cancer have a good success rate in
India due to the availability of world class facilities at healthcare centers
and highly experienced and skilled surgeons. Travcure medical tourism company
helps to find the best surgeons and healthcare facilities in India. Travcure
also offers a wide range of services and facilities to their patients.
Associated surgeons and doctors with Travcure are highly experienced and skilled
in their respective fields. Travcure is also associated with the top most
giants in the healthcare industry such as Fortis , apollo & Max. Consultants at
Travcure offer best deals to their patients in the country.
