Pancreas Cancer Surgeon in Nashik, Maharashtra

Pancreatic cancer is primarily categorized into:

• Exocrine Tumors: The most prevalent form, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma being the most common subtype.
• Endocrine Tumors: Also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or islet cell tumors, these are less common and originate from hormone-producing cells.

In its early stages, pancreatic cancer often remains asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.
• Abdominal or Back Pain: Discomfort in the upper abdomen or back regions.
• Unintended Weight Loss: Significant weight reduction without changes in diet or exercise.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick and vomiting.
• New-Onset Diabetes: Development of diabetes not associated with weight gain.

Several factors may elevate the risk of developing pancreatic cancer:

• Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases risk.
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas.
• Diabetes: Particularly type 2 diabetes.
• Family History: A history of pancreatic cancer in close relatives.
• Obesity: Excess body weight.
• Age: Individuals over 65 are at higher risk.

To diagnose pancreatic cancer, healthcare providers may employ:

• Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, and PET scans to visualize the pancreas.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): A procedure using an endoscope with an ultrasound device to obtain images and tissue samples.
• Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
• Blood Tests: Assessing for tumor markers like CA 19-9, though not definitive for diagnosis.

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread:

• Stage 0: Abnormal cells present but not yet cancerous.
• Stage I: Cancer confined to the pancreas.
• Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby tissues and possibly lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to major blood vessels and lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs.

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s overall health:

• Surgery: Procedures like the Whipple operation (pancreaticoduodenectomy) to remove the tumor.
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs administered to destroy cancer cells, often combined with other treatments.
• Targeted Therapy: Medications designed to attack specific cancer cell abnormalities.
• Immunotherapy: Treatments that enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.

The choice of surgical procedure depends on the tumor’s location and stage:

• Whipple Procedure: Removal of the pancreas head, duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct.
• Distal Pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas body and tail, often with the spleen.
• Total Pancreatectomy: Complete removal of the pancreas, necessitating lifelong enzyme and insulin replacement.

Early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for improving outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients.