Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the cells of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located in the lower part of the stomach and at the beginning of the small intestine and produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

Pancreatic cancer often does not show symptoms at an early stage and is therefore usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Some symptoms may include:

Stomach ache
Back pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
weight loss
fatigue and weakness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Digestive problems such as diabetes

Pancreatic cancer risk factors include smoking, family history, chronic pancreatitis, high alcohol consumption, obesity, and old age.

Pancreatic cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer, and the patient’s general health. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Treatment may be more effective in cases of pancreatic cancer detected early, so regular medical check-ups are recommended for people with risk factors.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Methods

Treatment for pancreatic cancer may vary depending on the stage, spread, location, type of cancer, and the patient’s general health. Treatment options may include:

Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment is an operation to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. This may include procedures such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple’s operation) or total pancreatectomy. This method is usually applied in the early stages of cancer.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is drugs used to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy can be used before surgery or when the cancer has spread.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. In pancreatic cancer, radiotherapy can be used before surgery or when the cancer has spread.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs to target proteins specific to cancer cells. These drugs target cancer cells and kill them without harming normal cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that helps the immune system recognize and kill cancer cells.

Treatment options may vary according to the stage of the disease, its spread, and the general health of the patient. In cases diagnosed early, treatment may be more effective. Therefore, it is recommended that people with risk factors have regular medical check-ups and follow-up screening tests.

Prof. Dr. Erşan AYGÜN

General Surgery Specialist

Bakırköy/ İstanbul

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