Comprehensive Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at Advanced Oncology Clinics
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making early detection and specialized treatment essential. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing personalized care aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.
Recognizing Symptoms & Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often presents with vague symptoms that can make early detection challenging. Common symptoms include:
Jaundice:
Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools, which occurs when the bile duct is blocked by a tumor.
Abdominal Pain:
Persistent pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back, often worsening after eating or lying down.
Unexplained Weight Loss:
Significant weight loss without trying, often accompanied by loss of appetite and malnutrition.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting, particularly after meals, which may be related to a blockage in the digestive tract.
New-Onset Diabetes:
Sudden development of diabetes or difficulty managing existing diabetes, which can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.
Fatigue:
A general feeling of tiredness and lack of energy, which may be related to the body’s response to the tumor.
Changes in Stool:
Oily or greasy stools that float, indicating malabsorption of fats due to pancreatic insufficiency.
Diagnosis & Staging of Pancreatic Cancer
Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for developing an effective treatment plan for pancreatic cancer. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, our diagnostic approach includes:
CT Scan:
A detailed imaging test to visualize the pancreas and detect any tumors or abnormalities. It helps in assessing the size, location, and extent of the cancer.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
A procedure that uses an ultrasound probe on the end of an endoscope to create detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. It can also be used to guide a biopsy.
MRI:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides high-resolution images of the pancreas and nearby organs to assess the extent of the cancer.
Biopsy:
A tissue sample is obtained through fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or during an endoscopic procedure to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the type of pancreatic cancer.
Blood Tests:
Tests to detect tumor markers such as CA 19-9, which may be elevated in pancreatic cancer, although they are not specific.
Types & Sub-Types of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is categorized into different types based on the type of cells involved and the location of the tumor:
Exocrine Tumors:
These are the most common type of pancreatic cancer, arising from the cells that produce digestive enzymes. The majority are adenocarcinomas, which form in the ducts of the pancreas.
Endocrine Tumors (Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors):
These rare tumors develop in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. They include insulinomas, glucagonomas, and gastrinomas, depending on the hormone produced.
Acinar Cell Carcinoma:
A rare type of exocrine tumor that starts in the cells that produce digestive enzymes.
Pancreatoblastoma:
A rare form of pancreatic cancer that typically affects children but can also occur in adults.
Ampullary Cancer:
Cancer that begins where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the small intestine. It can block bile flow and cause jaundice.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment for pancreatic cancer varies based on the size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. At Advanced Oncology Clinics, we offer a range of treatment options:
Surgery:
Surgical removal of the tumor is often recommended for localized pancreatic cancer. Procedures include the Whipple procedure (removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct), distal pancreatectomy (removal of the body and tail of the pancreas), and total pancreatectomy (removal of the entire pancreas).
Radiation Therapy:
High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells, particularly in cases of advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. It may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
Targeted Therapy:
Drugs that specifically target the genetic mutations within cancer cells, helping to stop their growth. This is particularly effective in certain subtypes of pancreatic cancer.
Immunotherapy:
A treatment that helps boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer, particularly in cases of advanced pancreatic cancer or after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Coping with Treatment & Managing Side Effects
Managing the side effects of pancreatic cancer treatment is crucial for maintaining quality of life. We provide comprehensive support to help patients navigate their treatment journey:
Nutritional Support:
Customized dietary plans to ensure patients receive adequate nutrition, which is vital for recovery and overall health. This is especially important in pancreatic cancer, where digestion and nutrient absorption can be affected.
Pain Management:
A combination of medications and alternative therapies to manage pain effectively and enhance comfort during treatment.
Physical Therapy:
Rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility after surgery or treatment, focusing on improving function and quality of life.
Psychological Support:
Counseling and mental health services to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Post-Treatment Care & Long-Term Monitoring
After pancreatic cancer treatment, ongoing monitoring is essential to detect any signs of recurrence and manage long-term side effects. Our approach includes:
Regular Check-Ups:
Routine follow-up visits to monitor recovery and identify any early signs of recurrence.
Imaging Tests:
Scheduled scans to ensure the cancer has not returned or metastasized to other areas.
Blood Tests:
Regular tests to check for elevated tumor markers, such as CA 19-9, which may indicate a recurrence.
Long-Term Support:
Continuous access to our medical team for any ongoing care needs, including management of chronic side effects and support for overall health.
Surveillance & Monitoring for Recurrence
Vigilant monitoring for recurrence is a key aspect of post-treatment care for pancreatic cancer. Our surveillance program includes:
Scheduled Check-Ups:
Regular follow-up visits to check for any signs of cancer recurrence or metastasis.
Patient Education:
Providing patients with the knowledge to recognize symptoms that may indicate a recurrence of pancreatic cancer.
Access to Care:
Ongoing access to our medical team for any concerns or additional treatments that may be needed in the event of recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Pancreatic Cancer:
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, which plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Learn more about pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and new-onset diabetes. Explore pancreatic cancer symptoms.
Diagnosis involves CT scans, endoscopic ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and blood tests for tumor markers. Learn about pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Explore pancreatic cancer treatment options.
Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes, but pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Understand pancreatic cancer prognosis.
The most common types of pancreatic cancer are exocrine tumors, endocrine tumors, acinar cell carcinoma, pancreatoblastoma, and ampullary cancer. Learn about pancreatic cancer types.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled regularly, depending on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment received. Explore follow-up care.
We offer comprehensive support services, including nutritional support, pain management, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Discover support options.
The Whipple procedure is a surgical operation to remove the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct to treat pancreatic cancer. Learn about the Whipple procedure.
You can schedule an appointment online or call us directly. Our team will assist you in setting up your consultation.
