Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

Pancreatic Cancer The kind of cancer where the cancerous cells develop in the pancreatic tissues is called pancreatic cancer. This is an organ in the abdomen which lies at the bottom of the stomach, horizontally. A single gland that secretes digestive juices and hormones that control sugar metabolism is the pancreas. While the endocrine pancreatic cells produce the hormones, the exocrine pancreatic cells generate the digestive fluids. Since its early stages do not exhibit any symptoms, pancreatic cancer is referred to as a silent illness. It typically begins in the exocrine cells.

Symptoms:

• Upper abdominal pain that extends to the back
• Weakness and weight loss
• Nausea and appetite loss
• Depression
• Gallbladder and liver enlargement
• Yellowing of skin and whiteness under the eyes relating to jaundice

Treatments:

Pancreatic cancer treatment options include surgery to remove the entire pancreas or a portion of it. If the doctors believe the cancer has not metastasized, the malignancy can be surgically removed from the body. The surgeons employ the following surgical methods to remove pancreatic cancer:

• Whipple procedure When pancreatic cancer is found in the head of the pancreas, this procedure involves removing the cancerous part along with a portion of the stomach, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues. It is a complex and risky surgery that can lead to complications such as leaks, infections, bleeding, and various stomach issues.
• Distal pancreatectomy This procedure is performed when the cancer is located in the tail end of the pancreas.
• Central pancreatectomy If the tumor is in the central part of the pancreas, this surgery is done to preserve both the upper and lower sections of the pancreas.
• Total pancreatectomy In this procedure, the entire pancreas is removed, similar to the Whipple procedure, which also involves the removal of part of the stomach, lymph nodes, and some other tissues.
• Chemotherapy This treatment involves the use of strong medications to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It can also be administered after surgery to help prevent the recurrence of pancreatic cancer.
• Radiation Therapy This approach utilizes high-energy rays, like X-rays, to eliminate cancer cells. Patients may undergo radiation therapy before or after surgery, or it may be combined with chemotherapy, based on the individual's specific condition as determined by their doctor.