Many describe pancreatic cancer as a ‘silent’ disease, primarily because, most of the time, its symptoms appear only at a later stage. This is when the cancer has already progressed and spread to other parts of the body. According to a review article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, pancreatic cancer is the 14th most prevalent cancer worldwide and the 7th highest in mortality. In India, the disease ranks 24th with over ten thousand new cases.
In general, the pancreas is not a widely talked-about organ, unlike the heart or the lungs. But it does play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels and digestive health, said Dr Udipta Ray, Director, Robotic, GI, and General Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata. According to the doctor, it has two main functions: aiding digestion by secreting powerful pancreatic enzymes and regulating insulin and glucagon, which manage glucose levels and the deficiency that leads to diabetes.
In this article, we will look at how pancreatic cancer impacts the digestive system and the symptoms that need to be addressed.
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?
How Does Pancreatic Cancer Affect The Digestive System?
The pancreas plays a vital role in the digestive process. During digestion, it releases enzymes that break down foods. The pancreatic enzymes include trypsin and chymotrypsin, which help digest proteins; amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates; and lipase, which breaks down fats. In addition, the pancreas also produces hormones that travel through your blood and help regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate your stomach to make gastric acid, and in turn help control appetite.
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when the cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, causing a tumour. When this happens, it can affect the enzyme-production mechanism of the pancreas.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 95% of pancreatic cancers begin in the cells that make enzymes for digestion.
"Not having enough pancreatic enzymes for normal digestion is very common in pancreatic cancer," it adds.
Symptoms Associated With Pancreatic Cancer
Dr Ray said, “Pancreatic cancer can lead to non-specific symptoms, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, and weight loss.”
“It may also cause painless, progressive jaundice and, in some cases, acute pain or the onset of diabetes, significantly affecting digestive well-being,” he added.
According to him, the disease's silent progression is attributed to these nonspecific symptoms, which may go unnoticed or get neglected for an extended period.
Furthermore, he warned, “Changes in diabetic status or abdominal weight loss can be subtle, making pancreatic cancer a silent and lethal disease.”
Also Read: Doctor Shares TWO Main Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer To Watch Out For
Diagnosis And Treatment
In discussing the diagnosis process, Dr Ray listed different methods that can help detect pancreatic cancer. These include imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scans, blood tests like liver function tests, and tumour markers such as CA-19-9.
He also recommended endoscopy +/- or ERCP.
Once the disease is diagnosed, the primary treatment, when operable, is surgery.
Unfortunately, there is no cure other than surgery, and other treatment options aim to prolong life and improve quality,” said Dr Ray.
“Palliative measures, such as stenting to reduce jaundice or alleviating obstruction caused by the tumour, combined with chemotherapy, may be considered to enhance the patient's overall well-being,” he added.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often asymptomatic or presents with symptoms that aren’t specific to the disease and, therefore, go unnoticed. This includes problems associated with the digestive system. Many times, people overlook the association or aren’t aware of it, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, regular screening is advised for early detection and effective treatment.