Though the pancreas is one of the most overlooked organs in the body, many bodily functions rest on it. It plays a critical role in improving digestion and also releases insulin and glucagon, which work together to regulate blood sugar levels.
Unfortunately, just like any other organ, the pancreas isn't immune to abnormalities.
Pancreatic cancer is a life-threatening condition that occurs when cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, leading to tumour formation. But what makes this type of cancer different and particularly concerning is people’s inability to detect it in its early stages. This can be attributed to various factors, some of which are listed below:
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?
The Location
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Puneet Gupta, Chairman - Oncology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, says, "The pancreas is nested deep in the abdomen and obscured by other organs (including the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and bile ducts), which makes it exceedingly difficult to identify any tumours of this organ."
Therefore, medical professionals cannot detect or feel early malignancies while doing normal physical examinations, he adds.
Lack of symptoms
Most chronic diseases cause symptoms, which help us detect the condition easily and in its early stages. However, that is not the case with pancreatic cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The health body shares that there are either no noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages of pancreatic cancer or that the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, when present, are like the signs and symptoms of many other illnesses.
In case symptoms occur, here’s what you should watch out for:
- Progressive loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Pain that spreads to the sides or back
- Itching
- Dark-coloured urine and light-coloured stools
- Depression
- A new diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that is harder to control
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice
- Tiredness or abnormal physical weakness
- Pain and swelling in the arm or leg
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pain in the gallbladder or liver region
- Blood clots
Diagnostic challenges
Diagnostic methods, such as imaging studies and blood testing, may be used to determine if there is a tumour in the pancreas, says Dr Gupta.
However, even though a pancreatic tumour may be seen with many imaging modalities, microscopic examination of a biopsied tissue sample is the only method of diagnosing a special tissue type of pancreatic cancer, the doctor highlights.
Also Read: Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is Struggling: Important Tests To Take
Complications That May Arise With Delayed Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
A delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be concerning, particularly because it could mean that the cancer may have spread to adjacent organs.
According to Cancer.Net statistics, approximately 45–55% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages.
If left untreated, pancreatic cancer can spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones, which can restrict treatment choices and cause further issues.
“Obstructive jaundice, blood clots, infections, and excruciating pain are other symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer. All things considered, the prognosis for people with pancreatic cancer is poorer when detection is delayed and therapy is not received within months of developing invasive cancer,” Dr Gupta says.
Preventive Measures
To prevent pancreatic cancer or to avoid diagnosing it at a later stage, Dr Gupta recommends undergoing regular screening procedures like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, especially if you have a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer because of genetics or family history. According to him, these can be performed once a year.
The doctor further notes that early cancer detection is preferred since it allows for more effective therapy. However, it's uncertain if screening reduces pancreatic cancer deaths, and there are risks like unnecessary surgery, he warns.
“Discussing with your healthcare provider is crucial to weighing benefits and risks. Under the supervision of a medical practitioner, genetic testing may be able to detect DNA alterations that raise the risk of cancer in people with a family history. Modifications to lifestyle such as quitting smoking, keeping a healthy weight with exercise, and a balanced diet may also help reduce risk,” he concludes.