What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer often does not present symptoms until the later stages, when it’s more difficult to treat. These symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain that radiates toward the back
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Development of diabetes or more difficulty controlling existing diabetes
- Light-colored stool
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchiness
- Blood clots
- Fatigue
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute is home to a high-risk pancreatic cancer screening program, which helps physicians detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage. Our team uses a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to detect pancreatic cancer, including:
- Diagnostic imaging. Your doctor may use an imaging test, such as CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound, to take a look at your pancreas.
- Blood test. Specialists can test your blood for proteins (or tumor markers) that indicate pancreatic cancer.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This technique uses an ultrasound device on the end of an endoscope to create visuals of the pancreas internally.
- Biopsy. Your doctor may take a sample of pancreatic tissue using an endoscope or by inserting a long, thin needle into the pancreas. They then examine the sample for the presence of cancer cells.
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Treatment options depend on the location and stage of your cancer. Our team offers the following therapies:
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy). This technically complex procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the duodenum (part of the small intestine), part of the bile duct, and nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, parts of the stomach and colon may be removed as well.
- Distal pancreatectomy. This surgery removes the left side of the pancreas and may involve the removal of the spleen.
- Total pancreatectomy. This is the total removal of the pancreas, which will necessitate ongoing insulin and enzyme replacement therapy after the surgery.
- Radiation therapy. Specialists can use technology to send high-energy beams, such as those made from protons or X-rays, into the body to destroy cancer cells. This can be delivered via external beam radiation or intraoperative radiation.
- Chemotherapy. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, administered intravenously or orally, based on your particular case.
Contact the Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge to discuss your surgical treatment options.
