Many celebrities have fallen prey to this dreaded disease pancreas cancer. Steve Jobs, Nargis Dutt, Patrick Swayze and the late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar have all died of this cancer. Despite the attention it has received, there is not much awareness about it. Today we will talk about pancreas cancer in detail.
Symptoms of pancreas cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins as the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is located behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer is rarely found in its early stages when it’s most likely to be cured. That’s because it often doesn’t cause symptoms until it has spread to other organs. Your health care team considers the extent of your pancreatic cancer when planning your treatment. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Symptoms
Pancreas cancer often does not cause symptoms until the disease becomes severe. When they do occur, symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer may include:
Pain in the abdomen that spreads to the side or back.
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice.
Light-colored or floating stools.
Dark coloured toilet
Reason
It’s not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. Doctors have found some factors that may increase the risk of this type of cancer. These include smoking and a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and looks like a pear lying on its side. It releases hormones, including insulin. These hormones help the body process the sugars in the foods you eat. Pancreatic cancer also makes digestive juices to help the body digest food and take in nutrients.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.