Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Cancer of the pancreas is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Some risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include

Smoking
Long-term diabetes
Chronic pancreatitis
Certain hereditary disorders

Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early. It doesn't cause symptoms right away. When you do get symptoms, they are often vague or you may not notice them. They include yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the abdomen and back, weight loss and fatigue. Also, because the pancreas is hidden behind other organs, health care providers cannot see or feel the tumors during routine exams. Because it is often found late and it spreads quickly, pancreatic cancer can be hard to treat. Possible treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

National Cancer Institute

Pancreatic Cancer on Wikipedia

'''Pancreatic cancer''' (also called '''cancer of the pancreas''') is represented by the growth of a cancer within the small pancreas organ. Each year about 31,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with this condition, with more than 60,000 in Europe. The most common form of this disease is known as adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. A less common, and typically far less virulent form of pancreatic cancer, is called '''islet-cell tumor''' (and is sometimes also known by the term neuroendocrine tumor).

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is difficult because the symptoms are so non-specific and varied. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, significant weight loss, jaundice, digestive problems, and depression.

Prognosis

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer typically have a poor prognosis because they tend to present later in the progression of the disease as cancer of the pancreas usually causes no symptoms early on and patients thus do not seek early medical intervention. Median survival times from diagnosis of 3-4 months are not unknown. Pancreatic cancer also results in a similar stage as diabetes does. The insulin production is hampered and it has been suggested that the cancer can also prompt the onset of diabetes and vice versa. [http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/2/1/4] [ Read More ]

External Resources

Obituary of Makoto Sahara - From the Japan Times, Makoto Sahara, an archaeologist who furthered knowledge of the Yayoi Period, died of pancreatic cancer at a hospital in Chiba Prefecture at age 70.

Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Molecular Pathology Laboratory - Dedicated to researching the causes of and treatments for cancer. Includes description of the molecular genetics of pancreatic cancer, and related research into screening, diagnosis, treatment, and genetic vaccination.

Predictive Diagnostics - Developing diagnostics to identify biomarker fingerprints for ovarian, breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Includes overview of company in Vacaville, California.

Paul's Journal - Details the struggle and subsequent death of a Canadian diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatica - Confronting Pancreatic Cancer - Aiding patients and physicians to create optimal treatment strategies. Offers a large listing of clinical trials, FAQs, and news and archives.

NCI Progress Review Groups: Pancreatic Cancer - Year 2001 report by U.S. National Cancer Institute panel gives a comprehensive review and direction for future research effort.

Gonzalez Treatment - Questions and answers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute regarding a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer using an alternative nutritional oriented therapy.

Virginia Mason Cancer Center: Pancreatic Cancer - Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options offered by this Seattle, Washington institution.

Mamas Health - Offers information about pancreatic cancer including causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.

The Pancreatic Duct - Offers the story of a survivor's battle against one of the more rare forms of pancreatic cancer. Also information, support, links and access to discussion forums.

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