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Pancreatic cancer can develop from both exocrine and endocrine cells in the pancreas. Symptoms include back pain, weight loss, and jaundice. Diagnosis is made through CT and ultrasound, and treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The CA 19-9 blood test can monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
The pancreas, located behind the stomach, is an organ in the body that produces insulin. Insulin is needed to regulate the amount of blood sugar in the body. The two types of cells that make up the pancreas are exocrine and endocrine cells. Pancreatic cancer can develop from any of these types of cells.
A pancreatic cancer occurs when both types of cells reproduce wildly and form a mass. There are several types of pancreatic tumors. The vast majority of tumors are adenocarcinomas and develop from exocrine cells. Unfortunately, this type of pancreatic cancer is malignant, which means it is cancerous. A small number of tumors develop from endocrine cells and are often benign.
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not known. There appear to be certain risk factors for developing cancer. Individuals who have chronic pancreatitis, often from alcoholism, have a higher risk of developing cancer. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking and older age.
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be similar to other diseases and therefore a diagnosis is often not made immediately. Due to the location of the pancreas, back pain is often a symptom. Other symptoms may include weight loss, stomach bloating and pain, and diarrhea. As the tumor continues to grow, jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, may occur.
Diagnosis is often made through computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. If the tests indicate the presence of a tumor, a biopsy may be done to confirm whether the tumor is malignant or benign. Because most pancreatic tumors are cancerous, many doctors will withhold a biopsy until surgery is done to remove the tumor.
Surgery is one of the main treatments for pancreatic cancer, however not all types of pancreatic tumors can be removed. The decision for surgery will depend on whether the tumor is benign or malignant and how advanced it is. Different surgical procedures are used based on the size and location of the tumor.
Additional treatment is often needed for a tumor if it is malignant. Radiation therapy may be prescribed. Chemotherapy, which is a combination of several drugs, can also be part of your treatment plan.
The effectiveness of treatment can be partially monitored through a blood test called a CA 19-9. Pancreatic tumors shed cells that contain a protein called CA 19-9. The blood test monitors the level of the protein in the blood and is considered a tumor marker. This test helps indicate how much of the tumor is still left in the body.
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