Pancreatic cancer begins in the cells of the pancreas, an important part of the digestive system, and is a stealthily progressing disease. It is known as a serious type of cancer that is often diagnosed late because it does not show symptoms in the early stages. The pancreas, which is responsible for both the production of digestive enzymes and the regulation of blood sugar, has a critical role in the metabolic balance of the body. Therefore, the cancer transformation in the pancreas can affect not only the organ but the entire system. When answering the question “what is pancreatic cancer,” it is essential to mention what kind of organ the pancreas is. The pancreas is an organ located in the retroperitoneum at the back of the abdomen. Its weight is approximately 75-199 grams. Its length is 15-20 cm.
Early assessment in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is vital for individuals in the risk group. Following the symptoms and seeking expert consultation when necessary increases the success rate of treatment due to the rapid progression of the disease.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer develops when the cells in the pancreatic tissue multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer usually originates in the head of the pancreas and can grow without showing symptoms in the early stages. Early diagnosis is crucial to stop the stealthy progression of the disease. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms increases the success rate in the treatment process.
Due to the anatomical structure of the pancreas, which is located deep within the body, most patients do not feel symptoms until the disease has advanced. This makes pancreatic cancer one of the difficult cancer types to treat.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
Although the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, some risk factors can increase the likelihood of the disease developing:
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most powerful known risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The risk of developing cancer is 2-3 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Since this risk factor is within the patient’s control, smoking should be quit before it leads to adverse outcomes. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the pancreatic tissue. This causes genetic mutation and increases the likelihood of cancer formation.
Age and Gender
The disease is generally seen in individuals over the age of 60. It is more common in men than in women. Genetic damage can accumulate in the pancreatic tissue over the years. This increases the probability of cancer development. Advanced age is one of the most common risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Genetic Makeup and Family History of Cancer
Individuals with a family history of pancreatic, breast, ovarian, or colon cancer may be at risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Long-term inflammation of the pancreas can set the stage for cancer development. Alcohol consumption and genetic factors are important causes of chronic pancreatitis. Since chronic pancreatitis damages the structure of the pancreas over time, genetic changes may occur in pancreatic cells. As a result, the likelihood of cancer development increases.
Obesity and Diabetes
Obesity is directly related to a person’s lifestyle. Obesity, which affects the quality of life, is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Insulin resistance, obesity, and especially newly developed diabetes can be precursors to pancreatic cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is known as “silent cancer” because it does not show symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms often appear after the disease has progressed. If one or more of the following complaints are present, evaluation by a pancreatic cancer doctor is recommended.
Abdominal and Back Pain
Since the pancreas is located in the back, pain radiating to the back/loin area may occur when the tumor grows.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
When the tumor blocks the bile duct, bilirubin levels rise, and jaundice develops. This is one of the most known symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
Rapid weight loss and loss of appetite are among the general symptoms of cancer and are common in pancreatic cancer.
Fatty Stools (Steatorrhea)
Insufficient production of digestive enzymes impairs fat absorption, and an increase in fat in the stool may be observed.
Nausea and Indigestion
Nausea and indigestion problems can be effective in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. This is because it is a digestive system issue. The tumor may affect the pancreas’s digestive enzymes. A growing tumor can change the outlet of the stomach or the flow of the intestines. If your complaints of nausea and indigestion persist, and you also experience issues such as weight loss and loss of appetite, consulting a specialist would be beneficial.
Rapid Onset of Diabetes
Diabetes that suddenly develops, especially in a person over 50, can be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?
A detailed evaluation is performed by a pancreatic cancer specialist in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The methods used in the diagnosis process are:
Blood Tests
An elevated tumor marker CA 19-9 is an important indicator for pancreatic cancer, but it is not diagnostic on its own.
Imaging Methods
Ultrasonography (USG)
This imaging method allows internal organs to be visualized. Thus, information about the structure, size, and relationship of the pancreas with surrounding tissues is obtained.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography, a cross-sectional imaging technique of the body, helps show the size, spread, and other important details of the pancreatic tumor.
Magnetic Resonance (MR and MRCP)
Using magnetic fields and radio waves, detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues are provided.
PET-CT
Metabolic activity (PET) and anatomical structure (CT) are revealed with this imaging method. The spread of pancreatic cancer to other parts of the body can be determined using this method. CT and MR are of great importance in diagnosis because they provide detailed images of the pancreatic tissue.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
This is one of the most effective methods used for the definitive diagnosis of the tumor. Biopsy is taken via EUS for pathological examination.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
If there is an obstruction in the bile duct, it can be applied for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Methods
The treatment of pancreatic cancer is planned according to the patient’s general condition, the location of the tumor, the degree of spread, and the stage. Treatment usually requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumor is the most effective treatment for patients caught in the early stage.
The Most Commonly Applied Surgical Method Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a surgical procedure in which the head of the pancreas and some surrounding organs are removed. In this surgery, the digestive system is reconstructed. Patients suitable for this surgical method enter a short recovery period after the operation. They can then return to a normal diet under the doctor’s supervision.
Chemotherapy
It is applied to control tumor growth after surgery or in advanced-stage disease.
Radiotherapy
It is preferred in some patients to shrink the tumor or alleviate symptoms.
Supportive Treatments
Nutritional support, enzyme therapy, and pain control improve the patient’s quality of life.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Pancreatic Cancer
The most critical factor in pancreatic cancer is early diagnosis. Survival significantly increases in patients detected early and suitable for surgery. Therefore, regular examination by a pancreatic cancer doctor is vital for individuals in the risk group.
Is It Possible to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer?
While complete prevention of the disease may not be possible, some lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:
Quitting smoking is the most powerful modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer formation.
Regular exercise helps a person maintain their ideal weight, thereby preventing the disruption of the healthy cell structure.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet helps the pancreas function healthily.
Avoiding obesity is critical not only for pancreatic health but also for general metabolic health.
Limiting alcohol consumption is necessary for one’s health. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the pancreas and the development of chronic pancreatitis.
Reducing risk factors increases the chance of early diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that gives no symptoms in the early stages and progresses stealthily. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional evaluation without delay directly affects the success of the treatment. Individuals with complaints or those in the risk group should make an appointment with a specialist doctor.
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
The stages of pancreatic cancer are determined by the size of the tumor, its spread to surrounding tissues, and whether it has metastasized to distant organs. This staging is of great importance for treatment planning and the course of the disease. The main stages of pancreatic cancer are summarized below:
Pancreatic Cancer Stage 1
The tumor is limited to the pancreas and has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes or distant organs. The possibility of complete surgical removal is high. Stage I is usually divided into IA (smaller than 2 cm) and IB (larger than 2 cm).
Pancreatic Cancer Stage 2
The tumor may have spread to tissues surrounding the pancreas, and regional lymph node involvement may be observed. Surgery may still be possible, but chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are usually added to the treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer Stage 3
The cancer has spread to structures such as the large blood vessels surrounding the pancreas. Surgery is generally not applicable at this stage; treatment is mostly focused on controlling the disease with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Pancreatic Cancer Stage 4
The tumor has metastasized to distant organs such as the liver and lungs. In this advanced stage, treatment ceases to be fully curative; the aim is to prolong survival and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Reviews of Patients Who Underwent Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
You can visit Google Maps and DoktorTakvimi to read patient reviews of Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Sert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic Cancer
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a serious type of cancer that develops when cells in the pancreas grow and multiply uncontrollably. Because it usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, it progresses silently and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
What are the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not appear in the early stages. The most common symptoms include abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, and pale stools. Symptoms may vary from person to person.
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
For diagnosis, doctors typically use blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and biopsy when needed. Early diagnosis positively affects the treatment process.
Who is at risk for pancreatic cancer?
Individuals who smoke, are obese, have chronic pancreatitis, have a family history of pancreatic cancer, or are in older age groups are at higher risk. Long-standing diabetes is also considered a risk factor.
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these. Surgical removal of the tumor is one of the most effective treatments when the disease is detected early.
How is the Whipple procedure performed in pancreatic cancer?
In pancreatic cancer, the Whipple procedure is performed to remove tumors located in the pancreatic head, bile ducts, and duodenum. It is an effective surgical treatment designed to completely remove the tumor from these interconnected organs.
Can pancreatic cancer be cured?
When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed early and evaluated by a specialist pancreatic surgeon, it can be treatable.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Sert graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine and completed his General Surgery residency at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. During his training, he received advanced surgical education in pancreas, liver, and kidney transplantation at the University of Geneva Hospitals in Switzerland and the Malatya Liver Transplant Institute. He is among the pioneering surgeons who have contributed significantly to the development of liver transplantation and pancreatic surgery in Türkiye.
His areas of expertise include pancreatic surgery, Whipple procedure, liver and biliary tract surgery, and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. With strong adherence to oncological surgical principles, he has achieved high success rates in the treatment of pancreatic and liver tumors. In 2018, he founded the Liver Transplant Program at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, making major contributions to transplant surgery in Türkiye.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sert has more than 40 publications in international indexed journals and serves as an editor for the World Journal of Transplantation. As an active member of prestigious organizations such as ESOT, ESSO, IASGO, and IPITA, he continues his academic work while providing modern, safe, and evidence-based surgical care to patients at his private clinic in Izmir.
