Malignant Neoplasm of Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer, or malignant neoplasm of the pancreas, is a disease that occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, a large organ in the abdomen that releases enzymes to help digest food and hormones to help regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease and one of the most deadly cancers.

According to the statistics from the American Cancer Society, approximately 57,600 people will be diagnosed with pancreas cancer and nearly 46,000 will die from the disease in the United States each year. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:

Smoking: It is the leading preventable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Age: Risk increases with age, especially after age 45.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women.
Family History: If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with pancreatic cancer, your risk is higher.
Certain Medical Conditions: Having certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or cystic fibrosis increases your risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal or back pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), unexplained weight loss, and indigestion. These symptoms may appear early in the course of pancreatic cancer but may be caused by other medical conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If pancreatic cancer is suspected, several tests are used to diagnose the cancer. These tests may include an imaging procedure like a CT scan or MRI, or an endoscopy. If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and on the general health of the patient.