Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and among the hardest to diagnose. It is called "the silent killer" - mainly because in the early stages of development it shows practically no symptoms. If it gets discovered, it usually is due to other issues in the area that end up revealing it. Even worse, when the pancreatic cancer does start showing symptoms, they can very easily be misconstrued as some other disease and very few doctors manage to read right into the symptoms. Which is why, by the time the illness is discovered, it usually is after it has already done quite a bit of damage. By that time, pancreatic cancer surgery becomes a difficult issue.
Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
Due to its silent approach, one should be aware of certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing pancreatic cancer, so that, if there is any chance of you developing it, one should catch up and schedule the cancer surgery as early as possible. You may want to mention your doctor if one or more of the following factors apply:
- Family history of pancreatic cancer - Up to 10% of pancreatic cancer cases happen to patients who have at least one relative who has had the disease. Cases of pancreatitis in the family may also prove to be relevant.
- You are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if you are over the age of 60.
- Male patients have a 30% larger chance of developing the condition.
- Smoking - Even if you have quit smoking, a long period of smoking in the past may prove to increase the likelihood of pancreatic cancer.
- Nutritional factors - It has been proven that a diet low in fruits and vegetables and high on red meat ends up being a risk factor. Frequent consumption of soft drinks can also be a factor.
- Illnesses like obesity, diabetes mellitus, infection with helycobacter pylori, chronic pancreatitis or even gingivitis can influence the development of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is usually discovered after symptoms of heavy weight loss, jaundice, puritus, dark urine, tiredness, irritability and eating issues. A CT scan or an endoscopic ultrasound would point to it, while a needle biopsy would be the way to confirm it.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery - General Information
Surgery is one of the two options of pancreatic cancer treatment (next to chemotherapy). Pancreatic cancer surgery can be performed in two major ways: the first option is to completely remove the entire cancer (potentially curative surgery) and the second option is palliative surgery which is done when the cancer is too advanced to be cured, but there is a chance of symptom improvement.
The most common pancreatic cancer surgery is the Whipple procedure (potentially curative) which involves basically removing the curve of the duodenum and the pancreatic head. A bypass is performed from the stomach to the jejunum to help food transit and a jejunum loop is attached to drain bile to the cystic duct. Palliative surgery is done in pretty much the same manner - it is usually done when the tumour invades areas like the colon or duodenum.
In both cases, the pancreatic cancer surgery is usually done in parallel with chemotherapy which will decrease chances of existent tumours developing and will also decrease the risk of a relapse. Lately, however, large doctor communities have started supporting surgery without chemotherapy.