Recognize and Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer
Recently we were shocked by the death of a public official caused by pancreatic cancer? So what is pancreatic cancer and how can we guard against it?
Pancreatic cancer is cancer cells that grow in the pancreatic tissue area. This type of cancer can happen to anyone, but is more common and prone to attacking people aged 55 years or older.
The pancreas itself has many important functions for bodily activities, such as producing the hormones glucagon and insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels in the body. Apart from that, this organ also produces enzymes which function to help the body digest the nutrients in food.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow abnormally and uncontrollably. The early stages of this cancer often show no symptoms. Usually, symptoms only appear when cancer cells have spread to other organs in the body. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Of the total cases, only around 9 percent of sufferers survive up to 5 years after being diagnosed with this disease.
Causes and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
The cause is still not known for certain. However, there are several factors that increase a person's risk of experiencing this cancer, namely:
- Consuming excess red meat
- Has blood types A, B and AB
- Suffering from diabetes, periodontitis, gingivitis and chronic pancreatitis.
- Suffering from hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, gallstones, and Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection.
- There is a history of genetic disorders that can increase the risk of developing cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer in the family, a history of pancreatitis, or neurofibromatosis type 1.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer in the early stages are generally not very visible. However, as cancer cells develop and reach an advanced stage, symptoms that appear include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stools are pale in color
- Bloated
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- The body gets weak easily
- Itchy skin
- Fever and chills
- A blood clot occurred
- Dark colored urine
Apart from that, this condition can also trigger other health problems, such as diabetes and depression. Even so, this disease is often not recognized as part of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
How to Know or Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer
In order to get an accurate and precise diagnosis, the doctor will ask about all the history of the disease and the symptoms felt as well as the sufferer's lifestyle habits. Next, the doctor will also carry out several physical examinations, such as looking for signs of jaundice and detecting lumps in the stomach.
After that, the doctor can also carry out supporting examinations, such as:
- Blood test to detect CA19-9 protein levels and measure levels of the hormones insulin, glucagon and somatostatin which are associated with pancreatic cancer cells.
- Scanning with a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI, to determine the condition of the pancreas and other organs in the body.
- Octreotide scan or octreoscan to detect pancreatic cancer originating from endocrine cells.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to determine the condition of the pancreas from inside the stomach through endoscopy and ultrasound.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP examination is a type of endoscopic examination assisted by X-rays to determine the condition of the bile ducts and pancreas.
- Taking samples from tissue or biopsies that are suspected of being pancreatic cancer for further examination using a microscope.
After the sufferer is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the doctor then determines the severity or stage of the pancreatic cancer. This determination helps the doctor determine the appropriate treatment method.
Pancreatic Cancer Prevention
It is not yet known for certain what the best way to prevent pancreatic cancer is. However, the risk of developing this cancer can be reduced by doing the following things:
- Do not smoke
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Implement a diet with balanced nutrition
- Do not consume alcoholic drinks
Immediately check with a doctor at RSU Hermina Medan if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you are in the category of people who are more at risk. Tell your doctor about your personal and family health history, so you can get the right treatment.
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