What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation. This cancer is often aggressive and difficult to detect early, as symptoms typically appear in advanced stages. In Ghaziabad, advanced diagnostic imaging and specialized oncology care play an important role in timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer symptoms can be vague but may include:
- Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes
- Blood clots or digestive problems
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer:
- Age: Most common in people over 55
- Smoking: Significantly raises risk
- Obesity & Physical Inactivity: Contribute to higher risk
- Family History: Genetic mutations or hereditary syndromes
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas
- Diabetes: Especially long-standing or poorly controlled cases
- Diet: High-fat diet and heavy alcohol use
Treatment Overview
Pancreatic cancer treatment in Ghaziabad is tailored to the stage and patient’s health condition:
- Surgery: Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy depending on tumor location
- Chemotherapy: Used before or after surgery to destroy cancer cells
- Radiation Therapy: Helps shrink tumors or control symptoms
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Advanced treatments for selected cases