Pancreatic Cancer
In the journey against pancreatic cancer, every step forward is backed by an army of support, showing that strength lies not just in the individual, but in the unity of those who stand together.
Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer globally, affecting approximately one in eight women during their lifetime. It can manifest in one or both breasts and may occur in various parts of the breast tissue. Breast cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth within the breast, which has the potential to spread to surrounding tissues. While the majority of cases occur in women, it’s important to note that men can also develop breast cancer, albeit less frequently.
Pancreatic Cancer
What is Pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when healthy cells in the pancreas undergo abnormal changes, leading to uncontrolled proliferation. These malignant cells can cluster together, forming a mass called a tumor. The term “malignant” refers to the tumor’s capacity to grow and spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Adults over the age of 45 are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Several risk factors include:
Risk factors for Ovarian cancer include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Rare inherited conditions
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Liver cirrhosis
- Infections and bacteria
Preventive Measures
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Reduce exposure to chemicals
Screening for Pancreatic Cancer
Detecting pancreatic cancer early poses significant challenges. Early tumors are often not visible or palpable during routine physical examinations due to the pancreas’ deep internal location. Some individuals may have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer due to family history. Genetic testing is employed to identify gene alterations associated with inherited disorders that elevate the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms and Signs
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, darkened urine, itching, and pale stools
- Upper abdominal, upper back, or arm pain
- Painful swelling of the arm or leg due to blood clots
- Various gastrointestinal discomforts, such as stomach burning
- Abdominal bloating
- Floating stools with unusual color and odor due to fat processing issues
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Sweating, chills, and fever
- Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer aim to determine the presence of the disease and its aggressiveness. Tools and tests include:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests, including CA19-9
- Imaging tests such as CT or CAT scan, PET-CT scan, and MRI
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Ultrasound, including transabdominal ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)
- Biopsy, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy
- Biomarker analysis
Sub-Types:
- Exocrine tumors:
– Ductal adenocarcinoma
– Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)
– Acinar cell carcinoma
– Adenosquamous carcinoma
– Colloid carcinoma
– Giant cell tumor
– Hepatoid carcinoma
– Mucinous cystic neoplasms
– Pancreatoblastoma
– Serous cystadenoma
– Signet ring cell carcinoma
– Solid and pseudopapillary tumors
– Squamous cell carcinoma
– Undifferentiated carcinoma
- Endocrine tumors:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs)
Stages:
- Stage 0: Cancer in situ, confined to the duct where it originated.
- Stage 1: Pancreatic tumor with a diameter of 2 cm or less, with no lymph node involvement.
- Stage 2: Tumor larger than 4 cm, spreading outside the pancreas but not to nearby lymph nodes, arteries, veins, or other organs.
- Stage 3: Tumor involving four or more local lymph nodes but not arteries, veins, or other nearby organs.
- Stage 4: Tumor that has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment Approach
- Surgical Oncology: Surgery for pancreatic cancer may involve partial or total removal of the pancreas, depending on the tumor’s location and severity. Often, a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue is also excised. Various surgical procedures, including laparoscopy, Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy, may be performed based on the surgical goal.
- Medical Oncology:
– Chemotherapy: Utilizes chemicals to kill cancer cells, often using single or combination drug therapy.
– Targeted Therapy: Frequently used alongside chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.
– Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system’s ability to combat cancer, explored in advanced cases where other treatments have failed.
- Radiation Oncology:
– Radiation Therapy: Utilizes high-energy beams like protons and X-rays to destroy cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy may be employed based on the treatment plan.
Supporting Patients During Pancreatic Cancer Treatment:
In addition to managing the physical side effects of pancreatic cancer therapy, patients also face financial challenges and emotional distress. Seeking support from a counselor or family member can aid in coping with treatment. Oncowin offers psycho-onco counseling and nutritional counseling facilities to assist patients in navigating these challenges.
Do’s and Don’ts During Treatment:
Do’s:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Consume small, frequent meals to manage digestive discomfort
Don’ts:
- Reduce sugar intake to control blood sugar levels
- Avoid consumption of red meat
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake to minimize digestive irritation
Providing Support for Post-Treatment Pancreatic Cancer Survivors
After treatment, pancreatic cancer survivors may experience long-term side effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, taste changes, hair loss, numbness in extremities, and blood clots. Empathy, mental resilience, and support from family are essential. Additionally, joining pancreatic cancer Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Groups can offer invaluable peer support and guidance.
Establishing a Follow-Up Cancer Care Plan
Following treatment, it’s crucial to request a personalized follow-up care plan from your healthcare provider. Doctors tailor this plan based on the type and stage of cancer, ensuring ongoing monitoring and support.
Surveillance and Monitoring for Signs of Recurrence
An essential aspect of follow-up care involves vigilant monitoring for any signs of cancer recurrence. It’s imperative not to miss follow-up visits and to promptly address any symptoms that may indicate a recurrence. Cancer cells may persist in small, undetected locations within the body, posing a risk of recurrence. A physician familiar with your medical history can offer personalized guidance regarding your risk of recurrence during follow-up care.
Specialists Doctors Who Care For You
Top Oncologists Providing Exceptional Care at Ahmedabad’s Leading Cancer Hospitals
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Appointment
Book your appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Get in touch to book your first appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Book your appointment
- 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nr Nikol Gam Cross Road, Nikol Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350.
- +91 9265313349
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Complex, Nr. Mahalaxmi Cross Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007.
- +91 9429827762
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 8153833606
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Nikol
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
Paldi
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
Nava Vadaj
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Book your appointment
Appointment
Book your appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Get in touch to book your first appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Book your appointment
- 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nr Nikol Gam Cross Road, Nikol Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350.
- +91 9265313349
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Complex, Nr. Mahalaxmi Cross Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007.
- +91 9429827762
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 8153833606
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Nikol
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
Paldi
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
Nava Vadaj
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Book your appointment
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Questions: Navigate Our Frequently Asked Questions Section
What factors lead to pancreatic cancer?
Fundamentally, pancreatic cancer is caused by DNA damage. This damage can occur through inheritance, lifestyle factors such as smoking, or randomly.
What can I do to lower my chances of pancreatic cancer?
Consider quitting smoking, losing weight, undergoing genetic testing, or participating in screening trials for early cancer detection if pancreatic cancer runs in your family.
Who is at the highest risk?
Individuals with a family history of at least two cases of pancreatic cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish descent, smokers, those over 50 years old, and overweight individuals.
Related Articles
Informative Reads: Explore Our Collection of Related Articles