Pancreatic carinoma is a form of pancretic cancer.
Pancreatic carcinoma is one type of cancer that can develop in the pancreas.This is a malignant tumor that can spread to other areas of the body. Cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells that destroy the tissues in the body. Pancreatic cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms until the cancer is advanced.
Identification
The pancreas is an organ that is approximately six inches long and is located at the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It connects to the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The pancreas is responsible for secreting pancreatic juices and hormones such as insulin. Pancreatic cancer is more common in females than males, and the risks increase with age and obesity.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to detect, as it may not cause significant symptoms in the early stages of the disease. According to MedicineNet.com, as the condition advances, the most common symptoms are jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), pain in the upper abdomen, pain in the back and pain that increases while lying down. Other symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer are vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and weakness.
Causes
While doctors do not know what specifically causes pancreatic carcinoma (cancer), it has been found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing the disease. According to MedicineNet.com, people that smoke develop pancreatic cancer 2 to 3 times more often than people who do not smoke. People that quit smoking may significantly reduce their risk of cancers such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and other serious diseases.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma in patients, doctors may perform a physical examination and take a detailed medical history. The doctor may order diagnostic tests such as a CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis and stool tests. An upper gastrointestinal tract series may also be performed to give the doctor an outline of the pancreas when X-rays are taken. Other tests that may be performed are a CT scan, an abdominal ultrasound and an endoscopic ultrasound. If the doctor finds a mass that is suspicious for cancer, he may perform a biopsy. This is one way for the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. A biopsy is a sample of tissues that is removed from the pancreas, and is then examined under a microscope. A pathologist can confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer if cancer cells are present.
Treatment
The treatment of pancreatic carcinoma may depend on the size of the tumor, the extent of disease and the overall health of the patient. Cancer of the pancreas is curable, but only if found in the early stages of disease. If found in later stages, it is very difficult to cure. Surgery may be performed to remove part or all of the pancreas, as well as radiation or chemotherapy to prevent the spread of the disease.
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