Pancreatic cancer, or carcinoma, is a malignant formation in the cells of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is most often found in men and is usually localized in the head of the pancreas.
Causes
The causes of pancreatic cancer are not yet reliably studied, but it is widely believed that the presence of benign tumors, cystic formations, and chronic pancreatitis contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer can affect individuals without visible reasons. Sometimes its occurrence is associated with the consumption of tobacco and alcoholic products, as well as a deficiency of the vitamin-mineral complex necessary for the body in food. The hereditary risk factor, which plays a significant role in the detection and course of the disease, should not be underestimated. If a patient's relatives have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the disease may manifest in the patient as well.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Typically, pancreatic cancer does not present symptoms in the early stages. However, back pain and discomfort in the abdomen begin, intensifying at night. Weakness, rapid fatigue, and a sharp weight loss may indicate cancer of the head of the pancreas. As the malignant neoplasm progresses, jaundice appears, which can cause the patient's skin to take on a green-brown hue. Additionally, symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal heaviness, weakness, and loss of work capacity may develop. Symptoms of cancer in the body and tail of the pancreas are completely unnoticed until the later stages. This is due to the appearance of jaundice, which bothers patients in only ten percent of cases. The presence of cancer cells in the body may lead to the onset of diabetes. Severe pain symptoms manifest in cases of cancer in the body and tail of the pancreas.
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in Israel
At the Ichilov clinic in Israel, patients with suspected pancreatic cancer are regularly examined. Our hospital uses only the most effective methods to diagnose the disease even in the absence of symptoms. In diagnosing pancreatic cancer, the doctors at the Ichilov clinic conduct a series of instrumental studies, such as ultrasound, CT, retrograde and endoscopic pancreatography, angiographic studies, as well as duodenography.
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in Israel
Treatment of pancreatic cancer in Israel is conducted using several methods. Among them, the most effective techniques observed are distal pancreatectomy and subtotal resection of the pancreas with spleen removal. Each treatment method is prescribed by a doctor after a complete diagnosis and a series of examinations. Distal pancreatectomy is a surgical intervention aimed at removing the body and tail of the pancreas while leaving the head of the pancreas intact. After the surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are prescribed to prevent the spread of malignant cells to other organs. Subtotal resection of the pancreas with spleen removal is usually performed in the later stages of the disease when the malignant formation has invaded the spleen. The surgical intervention involves the removal of the pancreas and spleen with subsequent correction of the digestive tract.
Prevention
Prevention of pancreatic cancer involves a regulated consumption of heavy foods, the presence of necessary vitamins in the diet, moderate physical activity, and timely treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.