Pancreatic Cancer is a condition where a tumour is caused by an abnormal growth of tissues that is detected in the pancreas. This can result in disrupting the organ's function in the body which is supposed to help produce digestive enzymes (exocrine pancreatic cells) and regulate insulin. Essentially, the pancreas also aids in regulating blood sugar levels (endocrine pancreatic cells) in the body. Mainly, the exocrine cell is where pancreatic cancer would develop.
There is no recorded cause for Pancreatic Cancer, however these risk factors might increase your chance of acquiring it, this includes:
- Being overweight
- Family history that has Pancreatic Cancer
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Smokes tobacco
- Alcohol consumption
Usually, Pancreatic Cancer will show minimal tell-tale signs, however it may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Indigestion, bloating and oily stool
- Pain in the middle or upper part of the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowish tint on the skin or the whites of the eyes)
Your doctor might recommend surgery to get rid of the tumour or alleviate the symptoms. Alternative treatments might include:
- Chemotherapy post surgery or in later stages to manage the disease.
- Radiation therapy (high-energy X-Rays) post surgery, this might help stay clear from a relapse of cancer and might alleviate pain and jaundice.
