What is Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas?
The term “pancreatic cancer” is usually used to refer to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer is cancer that arises from exocrine glands, especially from the ducts and acinar cells of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that consists of the head, neck, and body that is present in the human body behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes in the small intestine. The pancreas consists of exocrine glands along with insulin and glucagon, which secrete enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats present in our food. Nearly 75% of all the pancreatic cancers are developing in the head or neck of the pancreas, 15-20% is found in the body of the pancreas, and 5-10% is found in the tail.
Disease Epidemiology
The incidence rate is 7.7 per 100,000 in Europe and 2.2 per 100,000 in Africa. It is more common among African Americans and has a slight predominance to the male gender. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma most often develops in the elderly.
Disease Etiology (Causes)
There is no exact well-known reason; however, certain risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, a previous or current medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and a family history of pancreatic cancer, are major contributing factors.
Signs and Symptoms
Most cases of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma are asymptomatic at initial stages. Patients may suffer from the following signs and symptoms when the disease becomes advanced. These are;
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended Weight loss
- Jaundice ( yellowish discolouration of the skin and eyes)
- Skin itching
- Fatigue
- Dark colour urine
- Light colour stool
- Bowel obstruction
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis; these are
- Imaging techniques like CT-scan, MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), MRI, TUS (transcutaneous ultrasonography), and PET-scan.
- Endoscopic USG
- CBC ( complete blood count)
- Liver function tests
- Serum Bilirubin total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin
- Histopathological examination of the pancreatic cells carcinoma
Treatment
The main treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is surgery (surgical removal of the cancerous part of the pancreas and initial part of duodenum. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the treatment options for advance metastatic cases.
What Support can we Give for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma?
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations – Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship – If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering – We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. If you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.
