Pancreatic Cancer

These are malignant, rapidly spreading tumors forming in the pancreas, an organ hidden deep within the abdominal cavity behind the stomach that regulates blood sugar (insulin) and secretes digestive juices.

Because the pancreas is hidden far behind other organs, a tumor growing on it does not cause any pain or symptoms until it reaches a very large size and presses on other organs (bile duct, stomach, nerves). Unfortunately, because of this, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage 3 or 4).

When the tumor blocks the bile duct, the first signs are jaundice in the eyes and skin, darkening of the urine (tea color), and severe skin itching. When it invades the nerves behind the stomach, there is severe, belt-like abdominal pain that radiates to the back at night and is relieved by leaning forward, along with unexplained sudden weight loss.

Yes. If a person over 50 with normal weight and no family history of diabetes suddenly develops 'Diabetes', this could be the first and earliest signal that a tumor in the pancreas is destroying the insulin-producing cells.

The CA 19-9 tumor marker is elevated in the blood. For a definitive diagnosis, an Abdominal CT scan and an EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) are performed. With EUS, the pancreas is approached very closely from inside the stomach, and a biopsy is taken from the mass with a fine needle.

Because pancreatic cancer quickly wraps around blood vessels, its surgery is highly complex. For tumors in the head of the pancreas, the 'Whipple Procedure'—one of the most extensive and challenging surgeries in medicine—is performed; the head of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach are removed, and the system is sewn back together. Chemotherapy is administered before and after surgery to eradicate tumor cells.