Pancreatic Cancer

1) Localization: the pancreas is a gland that makes insulin and hormones, plus digestive enzymes. Pancreatic cancer develops from the ducts carrying the digestive juices. The organ is described as having three parts: head, body and tail of pancreas.Cancer spreads from lymph nodes to liver, lungs, peritoneum. 32 000 cases per year in the US , with poor prognosis, because of late discovery and very difficult surgical access. 2) Risk factors of pancreatic cancer: - some food factors, such as sugar, coffee abuse;- favoured with tobacco, diabetes, often preceded by chronic pancreatitis;- more men than women are concerned (2 to 1); the mean age is 65; African Americans more than Asiansor whites.3) Growth: pancreatic cancer is often associated with stomach cancer, the proximity of these organs making it difficult to establish the original cancer.4) Symptoms: - the most frequent sign is jaundice, caused by compression of the bile duct which crosses the pancreas: darkurine, yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale stool, itching;- weakness, weight loss, nausea;- stabbing pains in across the upper abdomen. 5) Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: - clinical exam: signs for jaundice, liver cirrhosis;- transabdominal ultrasound; endoscopy; retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with biopsies; scanner.- the tumor marker assays: CEA , CA 19-9.6) Treatment: - surgery: depending on the localization on the pancreas, the size, the stage. The head of pancreas can be removed, part of small intestine, stomach, gallbladder, spleen. This is a major operation and very delicate surgery, that can be attempted if the tumor is resectable and if there are no metastases.- radiation and chemotherapy, in cases of non resectable tumors, can lead to some remissions.7) Follow-up: using the tumor marker dosages. 8) Prevention: - diabetes appropriate monitoring;- no-tobacco use (once again);- tumor marker test. The above-mentioned tumor markers are part of the Biomarkers C12 test; performing this panel once a year is highly recommended.Cancer can be detected : do it NOW.