End Stage Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer developed in the tissues of the pancreas, which primary function is to secrete digestive enzymes (e.g. bile) and hormones (e.g. insulin). It may originate either in the exocrine tissues or endocrine tissues of the pancreas, though the former comprises 95 percent cases of pancreatic cancer. Also, more than 70 percent pancreatic cancers are located in the head and neck portion of the pancreas.

Men are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than women. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition, older age (above 60 years), a poor diet (that lacks fruits and vegetables), smoking, being obese, diabetes and preexisting pancreas problems (chronic pancreatitis). This article highlights on the statistics of pancreatic cancer and the symptoms of end stage pancreatic cancer.

An Overview of Pancreatic Cancer

The number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is slowly increasing since the last few years. And the worst fact that concerns all of us is that it is asymptomatic in the early stages. Hence, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is very difficult and rare. By the time, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, it is already in the end stages. As per medical data, pancreatic cancer constitutes approximately 6 percent deaths that are related to cancer. And, it is listed as the fourth leading cause of death.

Symptoms of End Stage Pancreatic Cancer

With cancer of the pancreas, the cancerous cells first spread to the lymph nodes, located adjacent to the affected pancreas, which then metastasize to the liver and other organs, including the lungs, stomach, duodenum and colon. Very rarely, pancreatic cancer spreads to the skin, brain and bones. At the time of diagnosis, more than 25 percent patients are identified with regional spread, while about 52 percent patients have distant spread.

The end stage of pancreatic cancer, in which it metastasizes to other organs, is also referred to as metastatic pancreatic cancer or stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is not only symptomless in the onset of the disease, but the later signs and symptoms are also varied, non-specific and confusing. Very often, the signs of end stage pancreatic cancer mimic other medical problems. The noticeable end stage pancreatic cancer symptoms are:

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Severe skin itching
• Sharp abdominal pain (mostly in the upper portion)
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden loss in weight
• Digestive problems
• Nausea and dizziness
• Excessive bloating
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Depression

Thus, the symptoms of end stage pancreatic cancer are very much similar to other diseases. In order to rule out pancreatic cancer, imaging tests like ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging will be taken for the abdominal portion. The doctor may also perform a biopsy test for confirmation of end stage pancreatic cancer.

The treatment methods for pancreatic cancer are more or less similar to other types of cancer. Based on the cancer stage and location, the physician may recommend appropriate surgical procedures for treatment. However, the end stage pancreatic cancer is rarely in an operable state. Rather, chemotherapy medication and intravenous injections are delivered to relieve pain and extend the survival period of the patients with end stage pancreatic cancer.

This was a brief overview regarding end stage pancreatic symptoms and treatment. Like most severe forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer prognosis is very poor. However, the survival rate of patients has increased significantly in the last few years. After diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, about 30 percent patients survive for 3 years, while approximately 5 percents patients live for 5 years. Medical research is ongoing to help detect pancreatic cancer signs in the early stages and also, to develop effective therapeutic intervention for longer survival of the patients.