Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes that help with digestion and produces hormones that help regulate blood sugar.
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer and is often not diagnosed until it is in the late stages. By the time it is diagnosed, it is often too late for treatment. Pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate, with only about 3% of people diagnosed with the disease surviving for more than five years.
There are a number of reasons why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat. The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, making it difficult to reach with surgery. The cancer is also often very aggressive and spreads quickly.
Inoperable pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that cannot be surgically removed. This is usually because cancer has spread too far or is located in a difficult-to-reach area. Cancer may be removed in some cases, but it is impossible to remove all of it. In these cases, adjuvant therapy, which is treatment given after surgery to help kill any remaining cancer cells, is often used. If you’re looking for additional treatment options for inoperable pancreatic cancer, you can check out clinical trials at Power.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer
Inoperable pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that is difficult to treat. The pancreas is a large organ located in the abdomen. It produces enzymes that help to break down food. The pancreas also produces insulin, a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Cancer of the pancreas is a rare form of cancer, but it is often fatal. The signs and symptoms of inoperable pancreatic cancer may include:
Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells.
Weight loss: Cancer of the pancreas can cause weight loss. This may be due to a loss of appetite or to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly.
Loss of appetite: Appetite loss is a common symptom of inoperable pancreatic cancer. It can be difficult to eat when you are experiencing this symptom. There are many potential causes of appetite loss, including cancer itself, treatment side effects, and psychological factors.
Abdominal pain: Inoperable pancreatic cancer is a serious diagnosis and one that requires immediate medical attention. The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain. This pain may be dull and constant, or it may be sharp and come and go.
Back pain: Back pain is a common symptom of inoperable pancreatic cancer. This is because the cancer is pressing on nerves in the back.
Depression: Depression is one of the most common symptoms of inoperable pancreatic cancer. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of people with inoperable pancreatic cancer will experience depression at some point during their illness. Depression can occur at any stage of the illness but is most common during the final stages.
How it’s diagnosed
Pancreatic cancer is a serious and life-threatening illness. Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment. Often, by the time the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are apparent, the disease is advanced and difficult to treat. In some cases, cancer has already spread to other organs by the time it is diagnosed.
There are several tests and procedures used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. The most common is a CT scan, which can provide detailed images of the pancreas. Other imaging tests, such as an MRI or endoscopic ultrasound, may also be used. A biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined for cancerous cells, is the only way to diagnose pancreatic cancer definitively.
Treatment for Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, it is important to know that treatment options are available. While there is no cure for this disease, treatment can help to prolong life and improve quality of life.
Depending on the individual’s situation, there are various treatment options for inoperable pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used in combination to try and shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously (through a vein), and radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Adjuvant therapy, another treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer, is used to help kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce cancer risk from coming back. For pancreatic cancer, adjuvant therapy is typically given in the form of chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy is another treatment option that may be used. This type of therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth. Pancreatic cancer clinical trials are also an option for some people with inoperable pancreatic cancer.
The decision about which treatment to pursue depends on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the person’s overall health, and preferences.