Pancreatic cancer is one type of cancer is very serious . Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in pancreatic tissue . The pancreas secretes enzymes to aid digestion and produce a hormone that helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism .
Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease becomes severe enough . At that time , cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body and the surgery to be contraindicated .
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Pain in upper abdomen that may spread to the middle or upper back and will be more pain when eating or lying down . Loss of appetite and weight loss . Weight loss occurs because cancer cells are dangerous to take the nutrients needed by healthy cells. this is particularly common in pancreatic cancer .
- The skin and conjunctiva of the eyes yellowish (jaundice ). In addition, the urine will become dark brown . Half of those affected by pancreatic cancer will experience jaundice . this occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the blood . Normally , bilirubin is absorbed by the bile , but if pancreatic tumors block the flow of bile , excess bilirubin causes the skin and conjunctiva is yellow.
- Itching . In advanced pancreatic cancer , the patient felt a severe itching due to high levels of bilirubin that accumulates on the skin .
- Nausea and vomiting, In cases of pancreatic cancer who have severe , the tumor will interfere with the digestive system peristalsis . usually the upper duodenum , causing nausea and vomiting .
- Digestive problems . Cancer inhibit the secretion of pancreatic enzymes in the intestine , making it difficult to digest foods , especially foods high in fat. It could also cause significant weight loss .
CAUSE
- Growth of cells regulated by DNA . When DNA is damaged , changes occur in the instructions every chemical process in our bodies . One result is that the cells will begin to grow out of control and eventually forming a tumor
- Researchers do not yet know for sure what causes DNA damage in many cases of pancreatic cancer . But note that a small percentage of people affected by pancreatic cancer are due to genetic predisposition . In this case , the risk of pancreatic cancer will be increased for those who have a close relationship with cancer patients , such as parent-child relationships and siblings . However, only about 10 percent of pancreatic cancers caused by hereditary factors
- The amount of the causes of pancreatic cancer is due to environmental and lifestyle factors , like smoking , eating and excessive chemical elements.
Most pancreatic cancers occur in people aged 65 years and over . Other important risk factors include :
- Race . Blacks have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer .
- Smokers have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer two to three times higher than those who do not smoke . Smoking is probably the biggest risk factor is known to cause pancreatic cancer .
- Abnormal glucose metabolism . diabetes can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer . insulin resistance or high insulin levels may also be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer .
- The possibility of pancreatic cancer increases if a person has a descendant with a chronic pancreatic damage .
- Obesity . People whose weight is excessive or obese have a greater risk of pancreatic cancer than people with normal weight .
- Diet . A diet high in animal fat and less fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer .
- Exposure to excessive chemicals . People who work with the content of petroleum , including gasoline and other chemical elements , has a greater influence on pancreatic cancer than people who are not exposed to the chemical elements .
COMPLICATIONS
The pancreas produces several enzymes that function break down food so the body can absorb the nutrients contained in food . But pancreatic tumors often inhibit the production or distribution of this enzyme .
As a result , the body can not easily absorb nutrients , which then makes you suffer from diarrhea and lost weight drastically. Other complications include :
- Problems with glucose metabolism . Pancreatic tumors interfere with the ability to produce insulin that can cause problems with glucose metabolism , including diabetes .
- Jaundice , sometimes accompanied by severe itching . Yellowing of the skin and eyes conjungtiva occurs when pancreatic tumors block your bile duct , a thin tube that carries bile from the liver into your duodenum . The yellow color comes from the excess bilirubin . Bile acids can cause intense itching , if the excess bilirubin is settles in your skin .
- Pain . A large pancreatic tumors compressing nerves , causing pain in the back or abdomen that can sometimes be severe .
- Metastasis is the most serious complications of pancreatic cancer . The pancreas is surrounded by a number of vital organs , including stomach , spleen, liver , lungs and intestines . Because pancreatic cancer is rarely detected at early stages, this cancer often spreads to these organs or to the near end of the spleen .
PREVENTION
Although it is not possible to prevent pancreatic cancer , lifestyle can help reduce your risk :
• Stop smoking . Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens that can damage the DNA that regulates cell growth .
• Maintain a healthy weight . Being overweight can increase risk of pancreatic cancer . However , still keep the weight reduction in order not to lose weight drastically in a short time . Perform aerobic exercise about 30 minutes or more , such as walking , jogging , or cycling .
• Exercise regularly . Experts believe that exercise enough each week can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer .
• Eat healthy foods . A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer .
