Pancreatic cancer, which is one of the leading cancers that cause vital losses, is known as a more difficult disease to catch at an early stage. This type of cancer, especially encountered in the age range of 60-80, is less common under the age of 40, and occurs more frequently in men than in women.
Great chance it’s caught at an early stage
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that is very difficult to diagnose at an early stage and is one of the leading diseases in cancer-related deaths. Since the cause of pancreatic cancer is not known exactly, it is difficult to take precautions. Only after the disease begins to show symptoms can be diagnosed by imaging methods. Family history, hereditary or chronic pancreatitis called pancreatitis and smoking are among the factors that cause the disease. Ultrasonography and computed tomography performed after the symptoms allow a clear diagnosis.
Surgery is performed after the tumor is reduced
Today, in pancreatic surgery, patients are also included in the treatment and struggle. In surgery, artificial vascular placement operations are at the forefront if the tumor involves the nearby vessels. In addition, with very effective drug regimens in oncology, surgery can be performed in cases with pancreatic cancer or liver metastases, which are called “inoperable”, provided that the tumor is reduced beforehand. In addition to nuclear medicine, interventional radiology applications and the shrinking effects of radioactive materials are also used to reduce the tumor before surgery.
These 10 symptoms may signal pancreatic cancer
- Intense nausea
- Anorexia
- Involuntary weight loss
- Dark urine color
- Obstruction in the stomach outlet
- Slow developing jaundice
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes
- Depression
Pancreatic cancer surgery is a difficult type of surgery for two reasons. The proximity of the pancreas to the very large vessels leading to the liver and the gland located deep in the back of the stomach makes it difficult to operate. Pancreas; It is an organ that requires a lot of attention during the operation due to its neighborhood with the stomach, liver, duodenum, spleen and kidneys.
Effective results with the Whipple method
It is not possible to separate the tumors that occur in the pancreatic head, duodenum and biliary tract close to the pancreatic head because these three organs are attached to each other. Therefore, for tumors occurring in these organs, it is a much more effective treatment method to completely cleanse the area with a technique called “whipple”. Even in patients who have lost the chance of surgery; It is possible to reduce tumors and make them suitable for surgery with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some other special treatments only in well-equipped centers. Especially in Whipple surgeries as well as surgery; Treatment procedures such as anesthesia, intensive care, and floor care are also of great importance.