Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow out of control in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. It makes enzymes that break down food and hormones like insulin that regulate glucose.

Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells that line the ducts carrying digestive enzymes. This type is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The disease is difficult to detect early because the pancreas sits deep in the body and symptoms often do not appear until later stages.

Pancreatic cancer can disrupt how your body produces insulin and digestive enzymes. This may show up in blood tests as changes in glucose, amylase, lipase, and other markers. Early detection through monitoring these biomarkers can help identify problems before symptoms become severe.

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Symptoms

Yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice
Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
New onset diabetes or worsening blood sugar control
Dark urine and pale or greasy stools
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis

Many people have no symptoms in the early stages. This makes regular screening important for those at higher risk. Symptoms often appear only when the cancer has grown larger or spread.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not fully understood. Most cases involve DNA changes in pancreatic cells that cause them to multiply uncontrollably. Age is a major risk factor, with most cases occurring after age 65. Smoking doubles your risk and accounts for about 25% of pancreatic cancers. Chronic pancreatitis and long-term inflammation of the pancreas increase risk significantly.

Other risk factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes. Certain inherited gene mutations like BRCA2 raise risk. Heavy alcohol use and diets high in red meat and processed foods may also contribute. African Americans have higher rates of pancreatic cancer than other groups. People with a family history should consider genetic counseling and regular monitoring.

How it's diagnosed

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer usually starts with blood tests and imaging studies. Blood tests can detect tumor markers like CA 19-9 and CEA, which are often elevated in pancreatic cancer. Tests for amylase, lipase, glucose, and liver enzymes like GGT help assess pancreatic function. Changes in these biomarkers can signal problems even before symptoms appear.

Rite Aid offers testing for key pancreatic cancer biomarkers through our blood panel at Quest Diagnostics locations. Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound provide detailed pictures of the pancreas. A biopsy, where tissue is removed and examined under a microscope, confirms the diagnosis. Early detection through regular blood testing can catch changes when treatment options are more effective.

Treatment options

Surgery to remove the tumor when cancer is detected early and has not spread
Chemotherapy using drugs like gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas
Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer cell abnormalities
Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight cancer cells
Pain management with medications and nerve blocks for comfort
Enzyme supplements to aid digestion when the pancreas is not working properly
Nutritional support to maintain weight and strength during treatment
Blood sugar management with insulin or diabetes medications if needed
Palliative care to improve quality of life and manage symptoms

Frequently asked questions

Early pancreatic cancer often has no symptoms. When signs do appear, they may include new diabetes, unexplained weight loss, or upper abdominal pain. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, can be an early sign if the tumor blocks bile ducts. Regular blood testing can detect changes in biomarkers before obvious symptoms develop.

Blood tests can detect markers associated with pancreatic cancer, though they cannot definitively diagnose it alone. CA 19-9 and CEA are tumor markers often elevated in pancreatic cancer. Tests for amylase, lipase, glucose, and liver enzymes help assess pancreatic function. Imaging and biopsy are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

CA 19-9 is a protein that cancer cells often produce in higher amounts. It serves as a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer and helps doctors monitor disease progression. Elevated CA 19-9 levels can suggest pancreatic cancer, but other conditions can also raise this marker. It is most useful for tracking treatment response in people already diagnosed.

Pancreatic cancer can disrupt insulin production and blood sugar regulation. Some people develop new onset diabetes or notice their existing diabetes becomes harder to control. Both high and low glucose levels can indicate pancreatic problems. Monitoring glucose and insulin levels can help detect pancreatic dysfunction early.

People over 65, smokers, and those with chronic pancreatitis face higher risk. Family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic syndromes like BRCA2 mutations increase risk significantly. Other factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heavy alcohol use. African Americans have higher rates than other racial groups.

Pancreatic cancer detected in early stages has better treatment outcomes. Surgery can remove the tumor when cancer has not spread beyond the pancreas. The five-year survival rate is much higher for localized cancer than for advanced disease. Regular screening for high-risk individuals improves chances of early detection.

Quitting smoking is the most important step, as smoking doubles your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active help reduce risk. Limit alcohol consumption and eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Reducing red meat and processed food intake may also lower risk.

People with a family history should discuss screening with their doctor. Those with two or more first-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer may benefit from annual screening. Screening typically starts around age 50 or 10 years before the youngest affected relative was diagnosed. Regular blood tests and imaging may be recommended based on your specific risk factors.

Amylase and lipase are enzymes produced by the pancreas to help digest food. Elevated levels can indicate pancreatic inflammation or damage. In some pancreatic cancer cases, these enzymes may be elevated, though many patients have normal levels. These tests help doctors assess overall pancreatic function and detect abnormalities.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer. However, you can reduce your risk through lifestyle choices like not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Managing diabetes and limiting alcohol intake also help. People with genetic risk factors should consider counseling and regular monitoring to catch any changes early.