Pancreatic Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Study Notes

Risk Factors

Age: Risk increases with age, most cases occur in people over 65
Family history: Having a family history of pancreatic cancer, especially in first-degree relatives
Genetic mutations: Inherited syndromes such as BRCA2, p16, and hereditary pancreatitis
Smoking: Long-term smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer
Obesity: Being overweight or obese
Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes, especially if it's long-standing
Pancreatitis: Having chronic pancreatitis, a long-term inflammation of the pancreas
Diet: A diet high in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables
Occupational exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and dyes

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Diagnosis:
- Imaging tests: CT, MRI, and PET scans
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to examine the pancreas and surrounding tissues
- Biopsy: Collecting a sample of pancreatic tissue to examine for cancer cells
- Blood tests: Checking for biomarkers, such as CA 19-9, to help diagnose pancreatic cancer

Stages and Prognosis

TNM staging system:
- T (tumor): Size and location of the primary tumor
- N (node): Spread to lymph nodes
- M (metastasis): Spread to distant organs
Stages:
- Stage I: Cancer is localized to the pancreas
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to major blood vessels or nearby organs
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs
Prognosis:
- 5-year survival rate: Around 9% for all stages
- Early detection and treatment improve prognosis

Treatment Options

Surgery:
- Whipple procedure: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissues
- Distal pancreatectomy: Removing the tail of the pancreas
Chemotherapy:
- Gemcitabine: A common chemotherapy drug for pancreatic cancer
- Combination chemotherapy: Using multiple drugs to treat the cancer
Radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation: Using a machine to deliver radiation to the tumor
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): Delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor
Targeted therapy:
- Erlotinib: A drug that targets the EGFR protein
Palliative care:
- Managing symptoms and improving quality of life
- May include pain management, nutrition support, and counseling

Description

Learn about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for pancreatic cancer, including staging, prognosis, and types of therapy. Understand the causes, signs, and management of this disease.