Treatment Options For Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the result of DNA mutations in the cells that make up the pancreas. These mutations make the cells grow and multiply faster than healthy cells. There are 2 major types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine tumors and neuroendocrine tumors. Exocrine tumors are the most common. These tumors happen when the DNA mutations affect the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The other tumors occur when the mutations affect the cells that produce hormones in the pancreas. Serious symptoms of pancreatic cancer to look out for include appetite and weight loss, jaundice, and pain in the abdomen. Patients may also see changes in stool, nausea, and of course, pancreatitis.
There are several options available for pancreatic cancer treatment. The precise pancreatic cancer cure used depends on the type of the tumor, as well as the extent of it when it is found. Common options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Many patients also get pain medication to help reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Whipple Procedure
Patients who have pancreatic cancer in the head of their pancreas may undergo a Whipple procedure as treatment. This surgery is used because the complete removal of the pancreas is quite hard to deal with. The side effects are difficult because the pancreas is the organ that produces digestive enzymes and manages glucose in the blood. Thus, the Whipple procedure only removes part of the pancreas.
This surgery can be performed in 2 ways: open or laparoscopic. Open surgery uses traditional incisions to open the patient up. This is the most common because it is the most effective and established surgical method. Laparoscopic surgery uses multiple small incisions so the surgeon can insert a camera and small instruments into the patient. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, allowing for a faster recovery and fewer opportunities for complications.
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Pancreatectomy
Pancreatic cancer patients whose condition has spread beyond the head of their pancreas or is not located there initially may undergo a pancreatectomy to cure their condition. Where possible, surgeons will perform a distal procedure, which removes the tail of the pancreas.
If pancreatic cancer has spread beyond the tail and head, however, a complete pancreatectomy is performed. This involves the removal of the entire pancreas, as well as the spleen, gallbladder, and parts of the stomach and small intestine. Patients will need to deal with diabetes and take enzyme pills for the rest of their lives following this surgery as they are living without a pancreas. They also must deal with a compromised immune system.
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Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and stop the growing process. The rays are aimed at the pancreas from various angles from an external machine. Radiation is often used following surgery to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer returning. It is also used as an alternative to surgery for those who cannot tolerate surgery as a treatment. Radiation may also be used before surgery if the tumor is too large to remove with surgery alone, as it can shrink the tumor beforehand. When pancreatic cancer has spread, radiation is often paired with chemotherapy (both in high doses) as treatment.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medication to kill cells that are rapidly dividing and growing. Doctors may use chemotherapy alone, before surgery, or after surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. Patients who cannot have surgery can also have chemotherapy paired with radiation to treat their tumors.
When used to treat this kind of cancer, chemotherapy is the most effective when patients receive at least 2 drugs at the same time. Rounds of treatment usually last 2 to 3 weeks followed by a period of rest. The rounds required can vary a fair amount from patient to patient depending on the extent of their cancer and other treatments used.
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Palliative Care
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most painful forms of cancer out there. This is why patients often elect to have palliative care when they are dealing with advanced pancreatic cancer The reason this type of cancer is so painful is that the pancreas is close to many nerves in the abdomen and back.
Patients getting quality of life care may be prescribed strong pain medication. They may also have a nerve block to get rid of the pain stemming from the nerves the tumor is compressing. The pancreatic duct may also be surgically widened and held open to reduce pain and digestive issues. Radiation, chemotherapy, and tumor ablation may reduce pain as part of the patient's quality of life care even when they’re not used to cure cancer.
