Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, but particularly malignant. The pancreas lies hidden between the stomach and the spine. It fulfils two important functions: It produces digestive enzymes and controls blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer is usually caused by the malignant transformation of cells lining the small ducts of the salivary part of the gland.
Risk factors
The most important risk factors include smoking and increased alcohol consumption. According to current findings, people who have had their stomach removed also have an increased risk of this disease. Diet and genetic factors also play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain or jaundice (icterus).
Causes
The causes of pancreatic cancer are not yet known.
Diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer is often discovered by chance during an examination (e.g. ultrasound of the abdomen). If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the necessary diagnostic steps are taken to clarify whether it is really a tumour and, if so, where in the pancreas the tumour is located and how advanced the disease is.
Important examinations for the detection of pancreatic carcinoma are
- Physical examination
- Laboratory tests
- Ultrasound examination (sonography)
- Endoscopic ultrasound examination (endosonography)
If pancreatic cancer is actually diagnosed, further examinations are carried out to determine the spread of the tumour.
Therapy
The extremely aggressive pancreatic tumour usually originates from the head of the pancreas, grows rapidly and spreads to the surrounding organs via the lymphatic and blood vessels. Only a complete resection of the tumour provides a significant survival advantage.