Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease; in Peru alone more than 1600 cases are diagnosed every year. This condition attacks the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, and generates changes or mutations in the DNA of its cells, causing them to grow in an uncontrolled manner and favoring the formation of tumors. This disease is related to hereditary alterations in 1 out of every 4 patients; therefore, those affected should undergo the necessary tests under the supervision of a genetic counselor, who will determine, according to the results, the patient’s treatment and the preventive control of the family. Dr. Pedro Cáceres, oncologist of our clinic, gives us more information on the subject.

Major risk factors for pancreatic cancer:

• Age
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Recent onset diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

What are its symptoms?

Symptoms will depend on the location of the cancer. In the advanced stage, there are constitutional symptoms, symptoms due to compression or invasion. Among the most characteristic are:

• Abdominal pain. Even with a tumor smaller than 2 cm. It is usually insidious, which makes diagnosis difficult.
• Jaundice (yellow skin). It is one of the early symptoms, when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas (in 60% to 70% of cases).
• That is the growth of the liver.

Symptoms of pancreatic tail cancer usually appear later.

How to diagnose pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early because it is located deep in the body. Therefore, it cannot be seen or felt in routine physical examinations; symptoms begin to appear when the cancer has already grown or spread to other organs. Abnormal routine laboratory tests are not specific for this cancer; many times the finding is incidental through imaging studies, such as CT scans or abdominal ultrasounds, among others.

Despite being a disease with high mortality rates, pancreatic cancer is treatable. Cure rates depend on timely diagnosis. It is essential to consult a specialist when symptoms appear, especially if they have been present for a long time, do not minimize them.

Remember:

Prevention is key in the fight against cancer !

Dr. Pedro Cáceres
Oncologist of our Clínica Ricardo Palma