Download Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s About Pancreatic Cancer
1. What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
2. Where is the Pancreas located and what does it do?
The pancreas is a gland about 6 inches long that is shaped like a thin pear lying on its side. The wider end
of the pancreas is called the head, the middle section is called the body, and the narrow end is called the
tail. The pancreas lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine.
The pancreas has two main jobs in the body:
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To produce juices that help digest (break down) food.
To produce hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, that help control blood sugar levels. Both of
these hormones help the body use and store the energy it gets from food.
3. What causes Pancreatic Cancer and what are the risk factors?
The exact cause of Pancreatic Cancer is unknown and the majority of cases happen by chance, however,
researchers have found several factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:
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Smoking.
Long-standing diabetes.
Chronic pancreatitis.
Certain hereditary conditions, such as hereditary pancreatitis, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, ataxiatelangiectasia, and the familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM).
4. What are the signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
The following signs and symptoms may be caused by pancreatic cancer, however, other conditions may
cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any or all of the following problems occur:
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back.
Weight loss for no known reason.
Loss of appetite.
Fatigue
5. Is Pancreatic Cancer genetic?
In a small number of patients < 10%, pancreatic cancer is genetic. In patients with 2 or more first degree
relatives such as parents, siblings, or children, the chance of acquiring pancreatic cancer is increased. If you
fit this description, genetic counseling will be recommended.
6. How is Pancreatic Cancer diagnosed?
Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed with tests and procedures that produce pictures of the pancreas and
the area around it. The following tests and procedures are used most frequently.
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CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body,
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taken from different angles by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer
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to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the
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body by injecting small amount of radionuclide glucose (sugar) into a vein.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A procedure in which an endoscope is inserted into the body,
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through the mouth to visualize the pancreas.
Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure to look at the organs inside the abdomen to check for signs of
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disease or to surgically remove tumors.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure used to x-ray the ducts
(tubes) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small
intestine. The Pancreatic duct will also be visualized at this time.
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Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist
to check for signs of cancer.
7. What happens after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis?
After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, you will be left with some important decisions. Depending on the type
and location of your pancreatic cancer you may be referred to surgery for surgical options or oncology for
chemotherapy.
8. What are the stages of Pancreatic Cancer?
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)- In stage 0, abnormal cells are found in the lining of the pancreas. These
abnormal cells may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma
in situ.
Stage I- In stage I, cancer has formed and is found in the pancreas only. Stage I is divided into stage IA and
stage IB, based on the size of the tumor.
Stage II- In stage II, cancer may have spread to nearby tissue and organs, and may have spread to lymph
nodes near the pancreas. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, based on where the cancer has
spread.
Stage III- In stage III, cancer has spread to the major blood vessels near the pancreas and may have
spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV- In stage IV, cancer may be of any size and has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lung,
and peritoneal cavity. It may have also spread to organs and tissues near the pancreas or to lymph nodes.
9. What are the treatment options for Pancreatic Cancer?
There are different types of treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer. The three standard types of
treatment used include: Surgery, Radiation therapy, and Chemotherapy.
10. What are the surgery options for pancreatic cancer?
Whipple procedure: A surgical procedure in which the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the
stomach, part of the small intestine, and the bile duct are removed. Enough of the pancreas is left to
produce digestive juices and insulin.
Total pancreatectomy: This operation removes the whole pancreas, part of the stomach, part of the small
intestine, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and nearby lymph nodes.
Distal pancreatectomy: The body and the tail of the pancreas and usually the spleen are removed.
11. Can I live without my pancreas?
Although the pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and regulating blood sugar, you can live without it with a
few lifestyle changes.
12. What are the long term effects of Surgery?
The major long terms effects of surgery may include exocrine insufficiency, the inability to digest food
properly, and diabetes. In patients who have undergone a total pancreatectomy this can be expected,
however it will be controlled by medications. In patients that have undergone a Whipple Procedure or a
Partial Pancreatectomy these issues are not common, but if they occur, can be helped by medication.
13. What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the
cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy is usually taken by mouth or injected into a vein or
muscle, which then enters the bloodstream where it can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic
chemotherapy).
14. Will I have side effects from the chemotherapy?
Every patient reacts to chemotherapy differently, however, based on the type of chemotherapy that you
receive you may be more likely to experience side effects. Some common side effects include:
Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea & vomiting, low-blood counts, poor appetite, and diarrhea
You will get the chance to discuss the details of your chemotherapy at your oncology visit.
15. Are there clinical trials available for Pancreatic Cancer patients?
For some patients, taking part in a clinical trial may be the best treatment choice. Clinical trials are part of
the cancer research process. Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and
effective or better than the standard treatment.
Many of today's standard treatments for cancer are based on earlier clinical trials. Patients who take part in
a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment or be among the first to receive a new treatment.
Patients who take part in clinical trials also help improve the way cancer will be treated in the future. Even
when clinical trials do not lead to effective new treatments, they often answer important questions and help
move research forward.