Pancreatic cancer can be a challenging diagnosis, but early treatment is key.

Learn how to fight this disease with the help of modern medicine.

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly form of cancer, but early detection and treatment can help prevent it from spreading and save lives. Find out what treatments are available to fight this disease and learn more about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Early Detection and Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

One of the best ways to increase the chance of successful pancreatic cancer treatment is to detect the disease early, so it can be treated before it spreads. Common signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), fever, weight loss, back pain, and appetite changes. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should speak to a healthcare professional about further tests and investigations.

Surgical Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

Depending on the stage of the cancer, surgical treatments may be an option for pancreatic cancer. The goal of these operations is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Surgery for pancreatic cancer may involve removing a portion or all of the pancreas and other organs that might be affected. In some cases, an entire pancreatectomy may need to be performed, which is when the entire organ is removed and replaced with a loop of small intestine. Whatever treatment plan is chosen, your healthcare provider will aim to remove as much cancer from your body as possible.

Chemotherapy as a Component of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment 

Chemo can be administered through intravenous (IV) or oral medications, or even a combination of both. Generally, IV chemotherapy is considered the primary treatment for pancreatic cancer. Combining chemo drugs with radiation therapy can help increase the effectiveness and longevity of your overall treatment plan. In addition to traditional IV chemotherapy, newer targeted therapies like immunotherapy may also be part of your pancreatic cancer treatment plan.

Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Radiation therapy is another form of treatment that utilizes high-energy x-rays to destroy cancerous cells. When used in combination with chemo, radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, reducing pain and prolonging life expectancy. In most cases, radiation therapy is reserved for patients who’s tumors cannot be surgically removed or if the patient has advanced stage disease. In these cases, radiation may help reduce symptoms and slow tumor progression.

Targeted Therapy as a Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

In recent years, targeted therapy has emerged as a promising option for treating pancreatic cancer. Targeted therapies are designed to target the specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of cancer cells. This type of therapy can help treat cancer with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Targeted therapies may be utilized in combination with other treatments to improve their effectiveness.