metastatic Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. As the cancer grows, it can spread to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis, or stage iv of the disease. The metastatic stage indicates that the cancer has spread to one or more distant parts of the body.
This type of metastatic pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis but systemic treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, are available. Today, advances in medical technology offer new hope to managing the disease and increasing the patient’s life expectancy.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer has spread. Common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice
- Itchy skin
- Fever
- Blood clots in the veins
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
Risk Factors
While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, there are several risk factors for developing the disease, including:
- Age: More than 85% of patients are over 65.
- Genetics: Genetic risk factors include a family history of any type of cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Tobacco use, obesity, and a diet high in red meat have been linked to pancreatic cancer.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos and benzene, has been linked to increased risks of pancreatic cancer.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for metastatic pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the disease. Treatment may include Surgery, Radiation, and Chemo or targeted therapy.
- Surgery: Surgical resection or removal of the cancerous tumor may be an option if the cancer has not spread too far. This may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery.
- Radiation: Radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors before surgery or to help control pain and discomfort from cancer that has already spread.
- Chemo or Targeted Therapy: The use of chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapy is to attack the cancer cells and stop them from growing. It can also help manage symptoms such as pain and nausea.