WHAT IS PANCREAS?

A small and spongy organ which lies just under the bend of the stomach deep within the abdomen is called pancreas. Two main functions of pancreas are:-

1. To produce enzymes which are useful for the digestion of food such as insulin? 2. Secretion of hormones which, helps maintain and regulate body sugar levels.

SYMPTOMS PANCREATIC CANCER

. Skin starts becoming yellow eyes white as in Jaundice.
. A person stars loosing weight.
. Pain in the upper abdomen
. Patient have the problem of back ache
. Loss of desire for food.
. abdominal discomfort and nausea

DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Detection of pancreatic cancer is difficult because of its location. Few tests which are used to diagnose Pancreatic Cancer are:-.

1. Blood tests are done to evaluate function of liver.
2. Sound waves termed as Ultrasound of the abdomen is done - for the detection of blockages of the pancreatic or bile ducts.
3. A computerized x-ray is done with injected dye showing a detailed picture of the abdomen to detect blockages of the pancreatic and bile ducts and any abnormal masses. This process is termed as Computed tomography scan
4. Magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography-
a picture of the abdomen using magnetic waves to detect masses or blockages Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-In this test a lighted scope is placed down the throat through the stomach and into the intestine. Dye is then injected to visualize the pancreatic and bile ducts. This procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist who is a doctor specializing in digestive diseases. In this process Biopsies may also be performed.

TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Surgery -
Pancreatic cancer is treated with the help of surgery in most of the cases.. However, for many patients surgery is not possible due to the location of the cancer or advanced stage of the disease.

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be done post surgery or when surgery is not possible. A number of treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of pancreatic cancer such as pain, jaundice, and weight loss.