What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer is a terrible disease that is making itself more and more known. Sadly, 1,600
people are expected to die of cancer a day. Pancreatic cancer is a disease caused by
uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the pancreas. There are endless different
kinds of cancer, but this kind of cancer is the fourth most deadly cancer. It is so deadly,
because the cancer doesnt show signs of it being there until it is in later stages, at
which point may be incurable.

Stages of Pancreatic Cancer.

Doctors have found a way to describe how far along the cancer has come. There are
four stages; as the stages go higher in number, the more severe the cancer is. The
cancer starts at stage one and as the cancer grows it matures to the higher stages.

Stage 1

At stange one, the cancer is confined to the

pancreas. It hasn't gone to any other part of the
body

Stage 2

At stage two, the cancer has spread locally. It

may have spread to the fat around the
pancreas or the bile ducts; however, it's still in
the pancreas.

Stage 3

At stage three, the cancer has spread to

neighboring lymph nodes or blood vessels.

Stage 4

At stage four, the cancer has

spread to distant organs,
most commonly the liver.

Coping with
Cancer
Coping with the fact that
you have pancreatic cancer
is hard. There are a couple
ways that may help:
Close support group-

Having close friends and

family helps tremendously.
No one wants to go through
this alone and having
people who care and want
to help can make a world of
difference.
Doctors/NursesHave a doctor that doesnt
drag their feet. It may feel
better knowing the plan is
underway and better
results will, hopefully, come
soon.

Here are some of the best

Cancer Centers in the
United States to take into
consideration when
choosing treatment.

-Memorial Sloan Kettering

Cancer Center
-Johns Hopkins Hospital
-University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center

Causes
Most objects/foods throughout peoples lives that they
come in contact with cause cancer. There is almost no
way to get around it. Doctors have not yet found a
specific cause of cancer, but the following put you at a
higher risk to get pancreatic cancer:

Smoking
High fat diet
Stomach surgery
Alcohol and coffee consumption
Consumption of rice, corn, and peanuts

Diagnosis
Patients will go through a series of tests before
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. An ultrasound is
done on the abdominal area to see if any signs of a
tumor show. It gives off sound wave that bounces off of
organs and send back the shapes to a screen.
Pancreatic tumors come back showing a different
shape than pancreatic tissue. If there is a questionable
spot on the pancreas, the doctor will then schedule a
Computed Tomography Scan. This scan uses x rays to
show shape of the pancreas. This scan shows the
pancreas fairly clearly. If there is still a spot that is
questionable the doctor will schedule an MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging). This scan uses radio waves and
strong magnets. Energy from the radio waves is
absorbed by the body then released in a pattern formed
by body tissue and certain diseases. A computer
translates this on a screen. The final test that may be
done is called an Endoscopy. For this test, an
endoscope goes down the throat, through the
esophagus and stomach, and into the first part of the
small intestine. After all of these tests have been
performed the doctor should be able to give the
diagnosis.

Treatment per Stage

Stage 1:
The most common surgical procedure is a pancreaticoduodenectomy, or Whipple
procedure, where part of the pancreas, small intestine (duodenum), and stomach, are
removed. The gallbladder is also removed. The exact procedure will depend on the
extent of the cancer and/or doctor performing it.
Stage 2:
The most common procedure for stage two pancreatic cancer is the same as stage one.
In some instances, the patient may receive chemotherapy to be sure all of the cancer
has been removed.
Stage 3:
The whipple procedure may be possible for stage three as well. If the cancer has
spread too much throughout the pancreas, it could be removed completely.
Chemotherapy may be given to the patient in addition.
Stage 4:
This stage of pancreatic cancer is incurable. However, some procedures can be done to
create a longer lasting life. By stage four of pancreatic cancer the pancreas cannot be
removed; the cancer is in other places of the body. At this point chemotherapy may be
the only option. Some study drugs are out there as something to try if the patient
chooses to do so. If the tumors are small enough, radiation could also be an option.
Every patient is different and the doctor will give the best options for the longest lasting
life.

Stage 1

Stage 4

Stage 2

Stage 3

Always remember help

someone whos dealing with
cancer. It could keep them
thinking positive.