The pancreas is inherently a unique multifunctional organ. It simultaneously acts as the only gland of the human body in which exocrine and endocrine functions are performed.

Pancreatic carcinoma or pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from the exocrine cells of the pancreas. In men, pancreatic cancer is more common and occupies ninth place in the structure of general cancer incidence, and in women – tenth. The ratio is (1.3-1.5): 1. Pancreatic cancer is found less often than other cancers of the digestive system, but it is more aggressive. Therefore, for any suspicious symptoms, an urgent examination is necessary.

At the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital in Gurgaon, we have a large team of cancer specialists, who have the relevant knowledge and extensive experience in the treatment of this type of cancer.

SYMPTOMS

At an early stage, pancreatic cancer exhibits symptoms similar to those of other diseases. Among them: constipation – 13%, weakness – 23%, general malaise and bloating – 31%. The development of diabetes often masks this disease. Sometimes a person is suspected of having a stomach ulcer or gallbladder disease. More specific symptoms of pancreatic cancer differ depending on the location of the tumor in the pancreas.

The main symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain and jaundice. They are noted in 90% of patients. Jaundice is a sign of a malignant tumor in the pancreas. As a rule, jaundice is accompanied by light stool, dark urine, itching.

Pain is the most troubling symptom of CSW. Pain may be localized in the back or the upper left quadrant of the abdomen.

The third symptom of pancreatic cancer is weight loss with a normal appetite. Most likely, this is due to steatorrhea – fatty stools. An increased amount of fatty acids and neutral fat is excreted with feces because the exocrine function of the pancreas is disturbed.

Vomiting and nausea, lack of appetite are observed in almost half of cases of pancreatic cancer. This is due to the compression of the stomach.

Surgery is the main treatment for pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer can significantly reduce pain. You can visit the CK Birla Hospital, the best hospital for Cancer Treatment in Gurgaon for your pancreatic cancer treatment in Gurgaon at the earliest stage before it gets worsen.

RISK FACTORS

• Smoking is associated with 30% of pancreatic carcinoma (CPC) cases. Smoking has been shown to double the risk of developing CSW.
• Alcohol abuse, an insufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in food are also significant risk factors – 20% of cases.
• The risk increases in 2 times in persons with diabetes mellitus.
• Heredity is 5-10% of all CSW cases. The disease is more often associated with such hereditary conditions as adenomatous polyposis, non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Hippel-Lindau, Gardner syndromes.
• Chronic pancreatitis leads to pancreatic cancer in 5% of cases.

DIAGNOSTICS

Only 20% of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed when the tumor is confined to the pancreas itself. One of the primary examinations is spiral computed tomography with double contrast. To confirm and/or clarify the diagnosis, a puncture biopsy is performed under the control of computed tomography or ultrasound.

The modern PET-CT scan method is used to determine the stage of the disease in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. Also, PET-CT is prescribed to detect possible recurrence of the disease.

Also used for diagnostics:

• transabdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound)
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERPHG)
• endoscopic ultrasound with aspiration biopsy

Diagnostic laparoscopy is performed at the CK Birla Hospital, if necessary. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive method of intervention that allows you to establish the extent of the disease and determine the need for surgical intervention.

Treatment

The only method that reliably increases survival is the surgical treatment of carcinoma: resection of the pancreas with the tumor (pancreatoduodenal resection) and subsequent chemotherapy.

Other treatment approaches are to relieve individual symptoms.

Pain syndrome:

• the use of pain medications
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy

Jaundice:

• performing endoscopic stenting
• surgical treatment consisting of the imposition of a bypass anastomosis.

Duodenal obstruction (occurs in about 5% of patients):

• surgical treatment – the imposition of an anastomosis between the stomach and the jejunum
• endoscopic stenting.

The CK Birla Hospital carries out the whole range of diagnostic measures and medical procedures, which allows the most effective treatment of patients with CSI, as well as providing palliative care.