Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of the pancreas. The most common type develops in the cells that line the ducts. This duct is known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which carries the digestive enzymes out of the pancrea

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose at its early stage. Hence identifying its symptoms is essential to prevent it at the outset.

Keep scrolling to learn about its causes, symptoms and other vital details.

There are no particular causes of pancreatic cancer. However, researchers have identified certain risk factors.

Take a look -

Age, Gender and Race

Adults who develop pancreatic cancer are older than 45 years. Moreover, 90% of them are older than 55. At the same time, 70% of individuals are above 65 years of age. Pancreatic cancer symptoms in females are less common than in males. It is the 10th most common cancer in men. Black and Ashkenazi Jewish people are also vulnerable to pancreatic cancer.

Genetic Conditions

You or your family members are prone to develop pancreatic cancer if more than 2 members in your family have been diagnosed with this disease. This family member includes your siblings, parents or children.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology suggests individuals with pancreatic adenocarcinoma must consider the genetic test. Family history of other types of cancer must also contact a genetic counsellor to detect this deadly disease at the outset.

Genetic Diseases

Individuals with the following inherited diseases are more likely at risk to develop pancreatic carcinoma.

Take a look -

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Lynch syndrome
• Familial malignant melanoma and pancreatic cancer

Medical Conditions

People with the following underlying diseases may show the symptoms of pancreatic cancer -

• Cirrhosis
• Development of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, causing ulcers and inflammation in the stomach.
• Hepatitis B
• Diabetes and obesity
• Severe pancreatitis

Lifestyle

Individuals who are alcoholic and do excessive smoking are more prone to develop pancreatic cancer.

Chemical Exposure

Continued exposure to chemicals such as benzene, petrochemicals and pesticides increases the risk of developing this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is divided into the 2 following categories –

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer
• Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer

Let's find out the types of cancer that fall under these categories -

Approximately 95% of pancreatic cancers develop in the pancreas's exocrine cells. These exocrine cells in the pancreas produce enzymes to aid digestion. Here are the following types of pancreatic cancers that fall under these categories -

• Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
• Adenosquamous Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Colloid Carcinoma

This type of cancer develops in the endocrine glands of the pancreas. The endocrine gland produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar. This type of cancer is rare, with a diagnosis rate of less than 5%.

Another type of cancer includes Benign Precancerous Lesions. These are not malignant tumours. Although, depending on the severity of these tumours, doctors may prescribe surgery to avoid any future health complications.

Here are the common pancreatic cancer symptoms across all its stages -

• Jaundice
• Weight loss and low appetite
• Nausea
• Diabetes
• Tiredness
• Back or abdominal pain
• Enlargement of liver or gallbladder
• Dark urine
• Rash on skin
• Greasy stool
• Recurring fever
• Clotting of blood

Most of the symptoms mentioned above may not indicate pancreatic cancer. However, if you notice any symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.

A doctor will ask about your family medical history and will prescribe the following test -

• Blood test, including liver test
• Stool and urine test
• MRI scan, X-ray or ultrasound
• Biopsy of the tumour

In Case of Early Diagnosis

In the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, approximately 10% of patients live a cancer-free life. While if the cancer is diagnosed before the tumour grows, the average life expectancy drops down to 3 to 3.5 years.

In Case of Resectable Tumours

A resectable tumour means that doctors can operate it out from the body. Stage 1 and 2 pancreatic cancers are resectable. Stage 3 cancer is categorised as borderline. Surgery in this is only possible if a high-trained doctor does it. Patients are always at risk of getting back the tumours. Hence the average life expectancy remains at 2.5 years after diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate is 20-30%.

Note that other factors also count to extend the survival rate. These are proper treatment, correct nutrition and an active lifestyle.

The treatment of pancreatic cancer depends on the following -

• Stage of this cancer
• Type of pancreatic cancer
• Patient's age and underlying medical conditions

Doctors also consider a patient's personal choice during his/her treatment.

With all these considerations in mind, doctors move ahead with the following treatment -

1. Surgery

Procedure: 

It is only possible if the cancer is at its early stage. Following procedures of surgeries are -

• Distal pancreatectomy
• Whipple
• Total pancreatectomy
• Palliative

Side-effects: NA

2. Embolisation

Procedure:

Doctors inject a substance into the artery that stops the blood from reaching the cancer cells. Without the blood supply, those cells will die.

Side-effects:

• Clotting of blood
• Nausea 
• Fever
• Infections

3. Chemotherapy

Procedure:

Doctors use drugs to kill cancer cells. The treatment is performed in 2-3 weeks. Chemotherapy is applied to a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient. However, it is impossible to cure. It only provides relief from additional complications that may arise later.

Side-effects:

• Hair loss
• Vomiting
• Exhaustion

4. Immunotherapy

Procedure:

Healthcare professionals infuse PD-1 inhibitors into a patient's body. This improves his/her body's immune system and identifies the cells to destroy it. 

Side-effects:

• Tiredness
• Joint pain 
• Cough and rash on the skin

5. Targeted Therapy

Procedure:

As the name suggests, these therapies are targeted to the particular cancer cell. 

3 types of targeted therapy are available -

• PARP inhibitors
• NTRK inhibitors 
• EGFR inhibitors

Side-effects:

It varies with each patient and the type of treatment he/she receives.

6. Ablation

Procedure:

This treatment is helpful to destroy tumours smaller than 1-inch. This involves using heat or cold treatments. Surgeons use a needle to apply the treatment. 

Side-effects: NA

7. Radiation Therapy

Procedure:

Doctors use high-energy rays to destroy malignant tumours. It removes or decreases the size of the tumour. Patients receive radiation therapy 5 days a week or for multiple weeks.

Side-effects:

• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Change of the skin

There is still no clarity in the causes of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, changes in the risk factors such as gender and genetic conditions are not possible. However, you can bring lifestyle changes to prevent this disease from developing in your body:

• Quit smoking and consume less alcohol.
• Exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Eat a balanced diet. Also, including fresh vegetables and fruits is a must.
• Limit the consumption of red meat.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cancer-causing death worldwide. Therefore keep the risk factors in mind and take precautions accordingly. Early diagnosis helps in quick recovery and allows one to lead a cancer-free life.