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There are various types of pancreatic cancer are: – Adenocarcinoma – Carcinoid GIST The most common one is Adenocarcinoma. Cancer of the pancreas is a relatively uncommon but deadly cancer. There are 4 stages of this cancer. Cancer limited to the pancreas is early-stage cancer. When cancer spreads beyond the pancreas and goes to other organs, most commonly the liver and lungs, it is called stage 4 cancer.
It is caused majorly by lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and in some cases obesity. Chronic swelling (inflammation) or pancreatitis is also one of the causes. Some cases are hereditary in origin.
The incidence of pancreatic cancer in India is low—about 0.5-2.4 per lakh in males and 0.5-1.8 per lakh in females. The incidence is highest in the state of Mizoram.
Smoking, including passive smoking, is the only significant risk factor, other than the other usual risk factors like increasing age and alcohol intake. In general, the incidence is less in women.
Smoking, including passive smoking, is the only significant risk factor, other than the other usual risk factors like increasing age and alcohol intake. In general, the incidence is less in women.
Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed by doing a CT Scan, or an MRI, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which is an endoscopic procedure. Pet CT may be required to diagnose the spread. A biopsy is done if the cancer is advanced and requires upfront chemotherapy. It is also classified as resectable, borderline resectable and unresectable.
It depends on the location of origin: The head, body, or tail of the pancreas. The most common being the cancer of the head pancreas; this is a deadly cancer and affects the body in various ways.
Whilst it cannot be prevented, one can definitely reduce the incidence further by changing one’s lifestyle and adopting healthy habits.
The best treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery. Complex procedures like Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Surgery) and Distal Pancreatectomy are done. Minimal access and robotic surgery are now making rapid inroads in treatment. Surgery is minimal access and recovery is faster than conventional.
There are certain side effects that would occur after pancreatic surgery namely malabsorption, lack of digestion, and rarely Diabetes Mellitus.
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