Pancreatic Cancer
Obesity Videos
Overview
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the pancreas, most commonly forming pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Because early symptoms are subtle, many patients present with advanced disease. Common signs include abdominal or back pain, weight loss, jaundice, or digestive changes. Risk factors include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and family history. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy depending on tumor location and stage. When detected early, surgical removal offers the best chance for long‑term survival.
Causes
Causes include genetic mutations, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, smoking, long‑standing diabetes, obesity, and certain hereditary cancer syndromes. Many cases occur without a clear cause.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, older age, family history of pancreatic cancer, and genetic syndromes such as BRCA mutations or Lynch syndrome.
How Pancreatic Cancer Affects the Body
As the tumor grows, it may block the bile duct, causing jaundice, or obstruct the stomach outlet, causing nausea and vomiting. Advanced disease may spread to lymph nodes, the liver, or the peritoneum, leading to pain, weight loss, and digestive problems.
Complications
Complications include jaundice, digestive obstruction, weight loss, malnutrition, blood clots, and spread to distant organs.
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms include abdominal or back pain, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, early satiety, fatigue, new‑onset diabetes, and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes CT scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy, ERCP, and blood tests such as CA 19‑9. Staging determines whether the tumor is resectable, borderline resectable, or advanced.
Differential Diagnosis
Includes pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, gastric cancer, liver disease, and benign biliary obstruction.
Lifestyle Modifications
Patients may benefit from smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, managing diabetes, and eating small frequent meals. These changes support overall health but do not replace medical treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage and may include surgery (Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy), chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal outcomes.
When to See a Doctor
Seek evaluation if you experience persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or new‑onset diabetes.
When to Seek Treatment
Treatment is recommended when imaging or biopsy confirms cancer or when symptoms suggest progressive obstruction or advanced disease.
Long-Term Outlook
Long‑term outcomes depend on tumor biology, response to therapy, and overall health. Regular follow‑up is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage nutrition.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis. Early detection improves survival, and advances in surgical and systemic therapy continue to improve outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz provides expert evaluation and minimally invasive surgical management of pancreatic cancer, offering advanced techniques that improve recovery, reduce complications, and support long‑term outcomes.
