Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is becoming more common, but the reason is not known. Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, or glandular carcinomas, while a minority of them are rare subtypes, such as neuroendocrine tumors.

Risk of disease

Pancreatic cancer, as with cancers in general, is most frequently found in elderly people, peaking at the age of 70. The risk factors are not fully known, but it seems obvious that smoking (particularly in men), chronic pancreatitis and diabetes are connected with pancreatic cancer. Alcohol predisposes indirectly to pancreatic cancer: excessive use of alcohol elevates the risk for chronic pancreatitis, which in turn increases pancreatic cancer risk. Smoking, including the use of snuff, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, as well as certain inheritable characteristics. However, anyone can get pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is an insidious disease, because it normally presents very few symptoms or no symptoms at all in the early stage. The most common symptoms, usually associated with an advanced stage of disease, include weight loss, pain in the upper stomach, back pain and jaundice. Bowel movements may change; the patient may suffer from diarrhoea, nausea and possibly vomiting. In a minority of patients, acute pancreatitis may be a sign of cancer.

Diagnosis

A number of different methods are used for examining the pancreas. They include ultrasound, CT and MRI scans and needle aspirate samples. Blood samples may be analysed for the presence of the CA 19-9 marker. It is an agent excreted by cancer cells, and it is present in the serum in 80 % of pancreatic cancer patients. However, the marker is unreliable and, therefore, cannot be used for screening.

Treatment

The primary treatment of local pancreatic cancer is surgery. Surgery is not always curative, because it is rarely possible to completely remove the cancerous tissue. Surgery may be palliative, such as relieving the symptoms of a patient with obstructed bile ducts.

Chemotherapy or the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy administered prior to surgery are used increasingly, as these can improve the prognosis for localised pancreatic cancer. Non-operable pancreatic cancer is mainly treated with cytostatics.

There are several alternative chemotherapies available. The total duration of chemotherapy depends on its efficiency and the patient’s general physical condition; due to the side effects, a relatively good general physical condition is necessary. Chemotherapy does not cure pancreatic cancer, but it relieves symptoms and increases life expectancy.

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer at Docrates Cancer Center

Patients suspecting they may have pancreatic cancer or patients with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis are directed to our specialist with no delay, no referral required. Our specialists have years of experience in treating cancer and a dedicated approach to their work. Our friendly personnel understand the fears and concerns related to cancer and help support patients throughout their treatment.

Our Specialists in Pancreatic Cancer

Our multiprofessional team of experts specialising in pancreatic cancer provides each and every patient with individually tailored and comprehensive diagnostics and treatment. We treat our patients according to the latest international and domestic treatment recommendations.

Our team comprises numerous specialist doctors, including oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, a radiologist, gastroenterologists and pathologists, as well as nurses, who are all experienced experts in treating cancer. The members of this multiprofessional team work in close collaboration to ensure accurate diagnostics and the best possible treatment plans. At Docrates you have the opportunity to participate in clinical drug trials, which are free of charge for patients. We also offer complementary services such as physiotherapy and nutritional counselling.