The pancreas is inside the abdomen behind the stomach and plays a crucial role in the digestive process. It creates pancreatic juices known as enzymes, which break down sugars, starches, and fats. However, the digestive processes carried out by the pancreas could be disrupted due to factors including pancreatic cancer. It is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in the pancreatic tissues, leading to complications that affect one’s health.

Symptoms
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not surface in its early stages. Furthermore, these signs might resemble other health complications, making them difficult to diagnose. Several obstacles can impede an accurate assessment of the pancreas, including its position behind organs such as the small intestine, liver, gallbladder, stomach, and spleen. Therefore, one should speak to an expert if they notice any of these symptoms:

• Dark urine
• A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Light-colored stools
• The sudden loss of pounds
• Feeling unusually tired without any strenuous activity
• The loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back
• Blood clots
• Itchy skin

Causes
The cause of pancreatic cancer is yet to be determined. Experts have identified certain factors that may increase the risk of this disease. For instance, unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as following a poor meal regime, is one of the leading causes of pancreatic cancer. Here are some of the most common potential factors that may trigger or worsen pancreatic cancer.

• People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing the condition.
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• A family history of genetic syndromes that may increase cancer risk, including a BRCA2 gene mutation, Lynch syndrome, and familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome.
• Family history of pancreatic cancer.
• The sudden gain in pounds.
• Older age, as people are usually diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after age 65.

Treatment options
The treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stages and locations of the cancer and also the overall health. Even one’s personal preferences may determine the treatment path that they follow. For most individuals, the first goal of pancreatic cancer treatment is to eliminate the cancer at the earliest. However, if this is not feasible, experts may suggest ways to improve quality of life, reduce cancerous growth, or prevent further damage.

Surgery
Types of surgery used in pancreatic cancer include:

Pancreaticoduodenectomy
This method is preferred if the cancer is present in the head of the pancreas. Experts may recommend a surgery called a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy). It involves the removal of the pancreas head, the gallbladder, a portion of the bile duct, and nearby lymph nodes. Some cases may also require the removal of the stomach and colon. A surgeon reconnects the remaining parts of the pancreas, intestines, and stomach to enable the digestion of food.

Distal pancreatectomy
A surgical procedure to remove the left side (body and tail) of the pancreas is known as a distal pancreatectomy. The expert may also remove the spleen to ensure the cancer does not grow back or reduce its growth.

Total pancreatectomy
In this type of surgery, the entire pancreas might need to be removed. Those who undergo total pancreatectomy should be able to live relatively everyday lives without the organ. However, they may require insulin and enzyme replacement throughout their life.
In several cases, people with advanced pancreatic cancer may not be eligible for the Whipple procedure or other pancreatic surgeries. The phenomenon may happen if the tumors involve nearby blood vessels. In such situations, experienced surgeons at established healthcare centers may offer pancreatic surgery operations, which include removing and reconstructing the affected blood vessels.

Therapy options
Apart from surgery, one may also be offered therapy options to eliminate cancerous growth.

Chemotherapy
It is one form of therapy where the chemicals used for treatment are either introduced intravenously or taken orally to eliminate cancerous cells. An individual may receive one chemotherapy prescription or a combination based on the extent of pancreatic cancer.

Radiation therapy
This therapy type utilizes high-energy beams, such as those created from X-rays and protons, to eliminate cancerous cells. The patient usually receives radiation treatments before or after cancer surgery, often combined with chemotherapy. The combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be recommended by experts when the cancer cannot be treated surgically.

Palliative care
Specialized healthcare that aims to relieve pain and other symptoms of diseases like pancreatic cancer is called palliative care. A team of doctors, social workers, nurses, and other trained professionals work together to improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer and their families. Palliative care experts offer additional support to complement ongoing healthcare regimes, particularly for patients undergoing surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Palliative care aims to enhance the well-being of people with cancer and help them live longer lives.