Pancreatic Cancer

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas’s exocrine or endocrine glands mutate and grow rapidly. The endocrine gland secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and the exocrine gland secretes enzymes into the small intestine.

What are the causes of pancreatic cancer?

Although causes of pancreatic cancer can vary, some causes that have been pinpointed are certain genetic mutations and frequent smoking.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Symptoms include abdominal pain radiating to the back, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, light stools, dark urine, itching, diarrhea, exacerbation of existing diabetes (or a new diagnosis of diabetes), fatigue, and blood clots.

What are risk factors of pancreatic cancer?

Risk factors that increase chances of pancreatic cancer are smoking, diabetes, pancreatitis, genetic syndromes and mutations (such as the BRCA2 mutation, FAMMM syndrome, and Lynch syndrome), a family history, obesity, and old age.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Pancreatic cancer can be treated using immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.