Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
What is Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas?
Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a type of cancer of the pancreas. It is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It develops from cells in the pancreas that produce hormones and enzymes that are necessary for normal digestion. In most cases, it is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, with localized tumors accounting for only 20% of the cases, making it difficult to treat.
Causes of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
The exact cause of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is not known, but several risk factors have been identified. These include age, smoking, family history, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and a diet high in processed and high-fat foods, as well as being overweight or obese.
Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
The signs and symptoms of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas depend on the stage of the tumor. Early symptoms may be vague and may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
Diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
To diagnose adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, the doctor will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history. In addition, imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan, may be used to diagnose the cancer. A biopsy may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
The treatment of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas depends on the stage of the tumor. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy.
Outlook of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
The prognosis for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is generally poor due to the usually advanced stage of the tumor at diagnosis. However, the outlook depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. For those patients who are able to receive aggressive treatment with surgery and a combination of other therapies, survival can be prolonged.