The pancreas is a gland located in the lower stomach, near the liver, gall bladder, spleen, and intestines. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar, and it also secretes enzymes that help to break down and digest food.
The pancreas is about 6 inches in length, and has a shape like a flat pear, with a head, body, and tail.
Pancreatic cancer normally begins within the ducts that carry the pancreatic enzymes and juices out to the small intestine and the rest of the body. This condition is called adenocarcinoma. Much less often, approximately 5% of the time, pancreatic cancer will start in the hormone-producing cells within the pancreas. This is called islet cell cancer.
This article is a work in progress. Help make it better by becoming a contributor!
There exists evidence that certain herbal remedies may help with treating pancreatic cancer. Though they are not (as yet) included in conventional Western treatment, the research on two of these herbs in particular has been rigorous and very impressive.
In 2008, a research team at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA reported that thymoquinone, a traditional Middle Eastern medicinal herb extracted from nigella sativa seed oil, appears to destroy pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers demonstrated that the herb caused the death of approximately 80% of the cancer cells in a human pancreatic cell line by modifying the cancer cells’ DNA.
Though studies of thymoquinone have not been widely replicated, early findings strongly suggest that the herb could have a preventive effect, as well as help patients who already have pancreatic cancer and have undergone chemotherapy and/or surgery.
A previous study, conducted in 2007 at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, found that extracts of the Indian Ayurvedic herbal remedy triphalainhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer tumors that had been grafted onto mice, and also caused the cancer cells to die. Researchers stated that though follow-up studies will be needed to see if triphala can effectively fight pancreatic cancer in humans, their study demonstrates that the herb has potent anti-cancer properties.
Other herbs that have been reported to have some strengthening effect on the body’s response to pancreatic cancer include super miraforte and licorice root extract.
REFERENCES
BBC News. 2007. “Indian Herbal Remedy Cancer Hope.” (Online) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6563003.stm
PhysOrg.com. 2008. “Traditional Herbal Medicine Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Researchers Report.” (Online) http://www.physorg.com/news130410814.html
Science Daily. 2008. “Traditional Herbal Medicine Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Researchers Report.” (Online) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519092215.htm
A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. 2009. “Pancreatic Cancer.” (Online) http://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/cancer/pancreatic.htm
.
Pancreatic cancer may be diagnosed in the following types of ways.
(Many of these procedures are also done for the purpose of staging, or measuring how far advanced the pancreatic cancer is after it has been diagnosed.)
Physical examination of the skin and the abdomen in the area of the pancreas. This includes checking for abnormal lumps, which may indicate a buildup of fluid, or ascites, which can result from the spread of cancer cells into the lymph nodes and stomach lining.
Image-Producing Procedures. There are several diagnostic tests that produce images of the pancreas and surrounding organs to detect cancer.
Laparoscopy. A laparascope is a very thin lighted tube that is inserted into the abdomen via small incisions. The laparascope carries a tiny video camera that conveys images of internal organs to a computer screen. These images are examined by a doctor.
Biopsy. Taking a biopsy means removing tissue from the pancreas (or other organ) for examination in the lab under a microscope to check for cancer. Cells and tissues can be removed from the pancreas in a number of ways, including using an endoscope as in ECRP or EUS (see Diagnostic procedures that produce images of the pancreas), inserting a needle into the pancreas, during laparoscopy, or through open abdominal surgery.
Laboratory tests, including blood, urine, and stool analysis. High levels of a substance called bilirubin in the blood, urine, or stool may indicate cancer. The presence in the blood of a protein known as CA19-9 may be a marker for pancreatic cancer, though this is not considered conclusive.
In early 2010, findings of a research study were released at the 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, which indicate that a protein known as PAM4 could be a very early marker for pancreatic cancer. PAM4 can be detected through a new type of blood test, which might be an effective way to screen for pancreatic cancer in people who are at high risk for the disease. This is a very hopeful development, because it signifies that the cancer could be caught and treated early, which would lead to more favorable outcomes and higher life expectancy.
REFERENCES
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Tests and Diagnosis.” (Online)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
Laino, Charlene. WebMD Health News. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer Detected by Blood Test.” (Online)
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/news/20100120/pancreatic-cancer-detected-by-blood-test
National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health. 2009. “Pancreatic Cancer Treatment.” (Online)
http://nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pancreatic/Patient/page1
A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. 2009. “Pancreatic Cancer.” (Online)
http://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/cancer/pancreatic.htm
National Institutes of Health. 2001. “What You Need to Know About Cancers of the Pancreas.” (Online booklet)
http://nci.nih.gov/pdf/WYNTK/WYNTK_pancreas.pdf
Pancreatica.org. 2010. “Confronting Pancreatic Cancer.” (Online)
http://www.pancreatica.org/faq.html#anchor2138782
.
Pancreatic cancer usually does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms usually appear, the cancer has started to spread and it is more difficult to treat.
Common symptoms include: ·
None of these symptoms necessarily means that a patient has pancreatic cancer. All of them can be caused by a wide of conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for diagnosis.
REFERENCES
National Institutes of Health. 2001. “What You Need to Know About Cancers of the Pancreas.” (Online booklet)
http://nci.nih.gov/pdf/WYNTK/WYNTK_pancreas.pdf
WebMD. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms.” (Online)
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-cancer-symptoms
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Causes.” (Online)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=causes
.
Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, and no one is certain what its underlying causes are. However, the following are considered risk factors:
Smoking. Smoking more than doubles one’s risk of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, quitting smoking may be a way of preventing the disease.
Lack of proper exercise and/or obesity. An increased risk of pancreatic cancer has also been linked to a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Daily exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight, may also help to prevent pancreatic cancer.
Dietary factors. A diet high in red meat—particularly meat that has been highly processed, preserved, charcoal broiled, or grilled—apparently increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to research studies. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could reduce the risk.
Exposure to chemicals. People who work at jobs where they are regularly exposed to pesticides, gasoline, asbestos, insecticides, or petroleum compounds may run an increased risk.
Family history. There appears to be a genetic component to pancreatic cancer. If someone in one’s immediate family has had pancreatic cancer, one’s own risk rises significantly. A family history of colon, breast, or ovarian cancer also increases ont’s risk.
Age, gender, ethnicity. Men run a higher risk than women. African Americans runner a higher risk than other ethnic groups. The majority of people who get pancreatic cancer are 60 years of age or older.
Chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a disease condition that has been linked to an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
REFERENCES
Metcalf, Eric, MPH. 2009. “Pancreatic Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors?” (Online) http://www.everydayhealth.com/pancreatic-cancer/risk-factors.aspx
National Institutes of Health. 2001. “What You Need to Know About Cancers of the Pancreas.” (Online booklet) http://nci.nih.gov/pdf/WYNTK/WYNTK_pancreas.pdf
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Prevention.” (Online)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=prevention
Warner, Jennifer. 2005. “Red Meat May Raise Pancreatic Cancer Risk.” (Online)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,171239,00.html
A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. 2009. “Pancreatic Cancer.” (Online) http://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/cancer/pancreatic.htm
Morrow, Alina, MS. 2009. “Causes and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer.” (Online) http://www.omnimedicalsearch.com/conditions-diseases/pancreatic-cancer-causes-risk-factors.html
Swierzewski, Stanley, M.D. 2008. “Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors.” (Online) http://www.oncologychannel.com/pancreaticcancer/risk-factors.shtml .
Your thinking, emotions, and mental state can have a profound influence on your body, your immune system, and quality of life as you cope with your disease. Cultivating “mind skills” will help you at any stage of pancreatic cancer.
Techniques that can settle the mind and help a patient cope with their illness include meditation, music listening, art therapy, and spiritual/devotional practices.
There are many different methods of meditation and meditation classes are widely available. Studies of brainwave patterns have shown that meditation soothes stress and fear, and helps people to become calmer and happier.
Support System during Cancer
It is also important to have a strong support system of friends and family both for practical assistance and emotional sustenance. Connecting with other cancer patients can also be very helpful. Support groups can be found through the American Cancer Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
A medical social worker, therapist, or clergyperson can offer additional emotional support.
Patients should also be sure to get as much information as they can about their illness, so that (together with their doctor and family) they can make the best, most informed decisions about their care and treatment. Again, the National Cancer Institute and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are excellent sources of information.
REFERENCES
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Alternative Medicine.” (Online) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Coping and Support.” (Online) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=coping-and-support
Psychology Today. 2003. Allen, Colin. “The Benefits of Meditation.” (Online) http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200304/the-benefits-meditation
.
Even when living with disease, it is important and healthful to take exemplary care of your body. Hygiene, exercise, and nutrition all contribute to better quality of life, and improved immune resistance.
Studies show that regular exercise—even moderate exercise—can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 50%.
If you’re a pancreatic cancer patient, physical exercise can reduce stress, improve your emotional state and help you cope with the disease. Meditation and relaxation exercises, including stretching and yoga, can also have beneficial effects.
Acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicinal method of applying pressure to certain points on the surface of the skin, can help relieve nausea after chemotherapy, as well as pain from surgery. Acupressure is also used to reduce stress and improve general energy levels.
Studies have also shown that acupuncture can be effective in alleviating chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing method that employs tiny needles to improve blood circulation and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Acupuncture is also sometimes used to help control pain.
REFERENCES
Carpenter, Jeff. 2010. “Diet, Exercise Prevent Pancreatic Cancer.” ABC News/Health (Online) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117270&page=1
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2010. “Pancreatic Cancer: Alternative Medicine.” (Online) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
WebMD. 2008. “Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment.” (Online) http://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment?page=2
National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health. 2010. “Acupuncture.” (Online) http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/HealthProfessional/allpages
.
Proper nutrition is extremely important, both for helping to prevent disease, and during all stages of pancreatic cancer. Because pancreatic cancer and its treatments may make it difficult to digest foods, it is important to plan one’s diet carefully.
A diet high in red meat—particularly meat that has been highly processed, preserved, charcoal broiled, or grilled—apparently increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to research studies. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could reduce one’s risk.
Pancreatic cancer and pancreatic surgery interfere with digestive enzymes, and can make normal eating difficult for some time. Therefore, patients should work with their clinical dietician to determine the best diet for them in the short term and over time. Doctors may prescribe medicines to replace some digestive enzymes.
The following foods, minerals, and nutritional supplements have been identified as having some strengthening effect in battling and/or preventing cancer:
This article is a work in progress. Help make it better by becoming a contributor!
HERBS
There exists evidence that certain herbal remedies may help with treating pancreatic cancer. Though they are not (as yet) included in conventional Western treatment, the research on two of these herbs in particular has been rigorous and very impressive.
In 2008, a research team at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA reported that thymoquinone, a traditional Middle Eastern medicinal herb extracted from nigella sativa seed oil, appears to destroy pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers demonstrated that the herb caused the death of approximately 80% of the cancer cells in a human pancreatic cell line by modifying the cancer cells’ DNA.
Though studies of thymoquinone have not been widely replicated, early findings strongly suggest that the herb could have a preventive effect, as well as help patients who already have pancreatic cancer and have undergone chemotherapy and/or surgery.
A previous study, conducted in 2007 at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, found that extracts of the Indian Ayurvedic herbal remedy triphalainhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer tumors that had been grafted onto mice, and also caused the cancer cells to die. Researchers stated that though follow-up studies will be needed to see if triphala can effectively fight pancreatic cancer in humans, their study demonstrates that the herb has potent anti-cancer properties.
Other herbs that have been reported to have some strengthening effect on the body’s response to pancreatic cancer include super miraforte and licorice root extract.
Once pancreatic cancer has spread beyond the pancreas, it is very difficult to contain. Nonetheless, there are treatments that can significantly slow the progress of the disease, and in some cases help patients to survive for several years, especially if it is caught early.
Forms of treatment for pancreatic cancer are continually tested in clinical research trials. Treatments under study include pancreatic cancer vaccines, gene therapy, biologic therapy (drugs that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer), drugs that may prevent cancer from growing new blood vessels, and monoclonal antibodies that may inhibit the cancer’s growth.
When one takes part in a clinical trial, there may be side effects and there is no guarantee that the experimental treatment will work. However, it is a way to gain access to cutting-edge treatments that may turn out to be more effective than current ones. Also, the federal government monitors these clinical trials to ensure that they are conducted as safely as possible. If you are interested in participating in a clinical study, speak to your doctor about this possibility.
