Pancreatic Cancer
For more information, call 203-776-4677.
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. The surgeons and cancer specialists at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven have the experience and expertise to deliver quality treatment for pancreatic cancer. Some risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include:
- Smoking – heavy smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers
- Long-term diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Certain hereditary disorders
- Age, gender, and race – people over 60, men, and African Americans are at higher risk for pancreatic cancer than younger Asians, Hispanics, or Caucasians
Pancreatic cancer is hard to detect early. It may not cause symptoms right away or may look like something else. When you do get symptoms, they may be vague.
What to look for:
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yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
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pain in the abdomen and back
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indigestion, nausea, and vomiting
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weight loss
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fatigue
Also, because the pancreas is hidden behind other organs, health care providers cannot see or feel the tumors during routine exams.
Some diagnostic procedures to help detect pancreatic cancer include:
- ultrasound (sonography) – a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.
- computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) – a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- pancreatic biopsy – a procedure in which a sample of pancreatic tissue is removed (with a needle or during surgery) for examination under a microscope.
- positron emission tomography (PET) – a type of nuclear medicine procedure where a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is injected to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. A PET scan evaluates the metabolism of a particular organ or tissue to get information about its function and structure. It may detect biochemical changes that can identify the onset of a disease before anatomical changes related to the disease can be seen with other imaging processes.
Since it is often found late and spreads quickly, pancreatic cancer can be hard to treat. Possible treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Page last updated on Sep. 18, 2009