What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare type of cancer of the pancreas that originates from the duct of the pancreas. It accounts for 1-4% of all types of pancreatic cancer. The structure of the pancreas is seen as head, body and tail, pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma most often arises from the area of the pancreatic head. In patients with pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed prior to metastasis, the average years of survival or life expectancy are 3-3.5 years.
What is Pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ of the human body located in the abdominal cavity. IT plays a role in food digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Disease Causes
There is no well-known reason. However, studies show that changes in the DNA of pancreatic islet cells are the main cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Pain in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constant feeling of tiredness
- Pain in the back
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive sweating at night
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Complete blood count ( CBC)
- Blood coagulation profile (for example partial thromboplastin time PTT, international normalized ratio INR)
- Serum electrolyte levels
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Abdominal USG, CT scan and MRI
- Immunohistochemical staining
- Serum serotonin levels
- Serum 5-HIAA
Treatment
The selection of suitable treatment depends upon multiple factors like the size, number, and location of the tumor. Other factors are the overall performance of the pancreas, presence or absence of the spread of the tumor to the liver, nearby lymph nodes and other distant parts of the body, presence or absence of the Liver cirrhosis, its extent, and risk involved in the case of surgery due to extent of the cirrhosis. On behalf of the above-mentioned factors there are the following treatment options;
- Resection; surgical removal of the tumor along with some healthy tissues from the surroundings of the tumor to stop the spread of cancer in the early stage of cancer.
- Radiofrequency Ablation; is a non-surgical technique to kill and stop the spread of cancer cells in cases where surgery is not a suitable option.
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted immunotherapy
What Support can we Give for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pancreas?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pancreas is 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. So, 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 Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pancreas, 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:
