What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is a gland (an organ that produces and releases substances to the rest of the body) that is situated high in your abdomen. It is approximately 15cm (6 inches) in length and is found behind the stomach, where the ribs meet at the bottom of your breast bone. The pancreas is shaped like a leaf. The wide end of the gland is known as the head, and the thin end is the tail. The section in between the tail and head is known as the body.

The pancreas is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and a substance known as insulin. Digestive enzymes help you to break down your food into smaller fragments, so that they can be absorbed by your body. Insulin helps to keep the sugar levels in your blood at a stable level.

The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Sometimes these cells can become abnormal and start to multiply. When this happens, it causes a growth to form, known as a tumour. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can occur in any part of the body where the cells multiply abnormally.

What causes Pancreatic Cancer?

Although the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, several risk
factors appear to be linked with the disease, such as:

• It is estimated that 1 in 5 pancreatic cancers are caused by cigarette smoking.
• Obesity increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.
• People with type I or II diabetes have roughly twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
• People with a family history of pancreatic cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Inflammation of the pancreas is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
• Age can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, with most people being over the age of 60 when the cancer is diagnosed.
• Family history can be a risk for developing pancreatic cancer it is three times greater if an immediate family member (mother, father, sister, brother) has had the disease.
  

What treatments are available for Pancreatic Cancer?

The type of treatment you need for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of pancreatic cancer you have, your general health, and your age and level of fitness.

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Your specialist may suggest radiotherapy to try to shrink your tumour before surgery. Radiotherapy can also help to control pain. Sometimes doctors may try a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat cancers that cannot be removed with surgery. Chemotherapy after surgery can help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Chemotherapy is now recommended as a first treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. But you will need to be well enough to cope with the side effects of this treatment.

Surgery and Stents

If it is possible to remove your cancer and you are fit enough to cope with major surgery, then your surgeon will offer you an operation.

Even if your cancer cannot be removed, surgery can help to relieve symptoms. Most often, a small tube (stent) can be put in to relieve jaundice. Jaundice is common in pancreatic cancer, and its symptoms can make you feel very ill. Occasionally, your surgeon may suggest surgery to get round a blockage in your bowel and keep your digestive system working.

Whipple Operation

In the Whipple operation the head of the pancreas, a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder and the duodenum is removed. Occasionally a portion of the stomach may also be removed. After removal of these structures the remaining pancreas, bile duct and the intestine is sutured back into the intestine to direct the gastrointestinal secretions back into the gut.