| Staging is carried out to determine how widespread the cancer is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Based on the stage of pancreatic cancer, treatment usually requires an integrated approach involving surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In general, surgery to cure the cancer is only possible in individuals whose tumor is localized to the head of the pancreas. This occurs in only 10% of cases. Removal of the tumor and head of the pancreas, duodenum, part of the stomach, common bile duct, and surrounding lymph nodes (pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple's procedure) may be done if the cancer has not spread into other organs (metastasis).
Pancreatic cancer in the tail or body of the organ usually presents as more advanced disease than cancer of the head of the pancreas. Surgery on these tumors is designed to reduce the discomfort of the disease (palliative treatment) but not to produce a cure. Partial or complete removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy) along with various surgical bypass procedures that allow continued secretion of digestive juices into the intestine (cholecystoenterostomy or pancreaticojejunostomy) could be performed. These individuals will need insulin and/or a pancreatic enzyme supplementation depending on how much of the pancreas remains following surgery.
Radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery or as the primary treatment for tumors that cannot be surgically treated. When radiation therapy is the primary treatment, it is most often used to relieve painful symptoms and make individuals more comfortable. In these cases, surgery may become necessary to alleviate jaundice or bowel obstructions caused by liver complications. Most clinical studies indicate that chemotherapy has little impact on survival or quality of life in individuals with pancreatic cancer. The compound gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine), however, improves pain control, weight gain, and survival times. This compound is now the drug of choice for treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer because it is tolerated well by most individuals. Pain control is a major concern for individuals with pancreatic cancer. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor