Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour of the pancreas, the small organ responsible for producing digestive juices and some important hormones.

The most common cancer of the pancreas, called adenocancer, accounts for about 95% of all cases.  If there is a possibility of this cancer then a specialist would normally diagnose it using a C-T scan of the abdomen.  Once a diagnosis has been made the tumour is usually biopsied under ultrasound or C-T control.  Then, treatment can begin.

Endoscopic ultrasound is often used to determine if the tumour can be removed in an operation.  This means that a small tube is passed through the mouth down the gullet into the stomach to get a better look at the pancreas from inside. Sometimes the surgeon will want to actually look inside the tummy before operating. This is done by keyhole surgery.

Nowadays if the tumour is not operable the treatment given is chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. The newer types of chemotherapy available are more user friendly and radiation techniques have also improved, allowing more effective treatment and less side effects.

Early diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are non-specific and varied, but the earlier a specialist diagnosis is made the more treatment options will be available.  The most important advice for anyone diagnosed with this type of cancer is to get in touch with the experts to find out the best treatment options available in their case.

If you have a diagnosis of this type of cancer then never give up, there is always hope and the pancreatic team of doctors and nurses will help explain your options.

With thanks to Dr John Glees MD FRCR

For more information on Pancreatic Cancer see the following:

Cancer Research UK

Pancreatica.org