Pancreatic cancer, also known as exocrine cancer, refers to the cancerous cells which develop in the tissue of the pancreas. The pancreas is located in lower abdominal section and is responsible for the production of different enzymesProteins that increase or decrease the rates of chemical reactions (Source: Wikipedia). and hormones.

This certain type of cancer is extremely aggressive as it develops and spreads very quickly which leads to a low number of early detections and makes this a harder disease to treat successfully.

There are two types of pancreatic cancer, the first being Exocrine Cancer which develops in the small tubes of the pancreas, tubes that are responsible for the production of pancreatic juices that assist us in the digestion process. The second type is call Pancreatic Endocrine cancer and is extremely rare, only 1% of the total cases of pancreatic cancer. This cancer develops in the cells that are responsible for the hormonal production in the pancreas.

Pancreatic Cancer Video

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer usually occurs in older men and women, over the age of 60. This type of cancer if often referred to as the "Silent Disease" due to the fact that early pancreatic cancer hardly shows any symptoms and they appear only in a later stage of the disease.

The symptoms that do appear can include:

• Stomach aches and upper back pain
• Painless 'Jaundice' - yellow skin and eyes, dark urine
• Weakness and nausea
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Depression

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

The specific pancreatic cancer treatment is decided individually as it depends on the type of cancer, its location and the stage of the disease.

The first option is usually the surgical one as the doctor will see if he can perform a 'Whipple Procedure' (a surgical procedure involving the partial or whole removal of the pancreas, duodenum, and other organs in the pancreas area).
After surgery the physician will have to decide if the patient should also go through chemotherapy treatments and radiation. This depends on the cancer's location and if the cancer spread to other parts of the body.

It can also be decided that a patient will only go through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, depending if the cancer spread and if the cancer has become in-operable.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Abroad

Once diagnosed with a form of pancreatic cancer, you must begin treatments as soon as possible. TicketMed will assist you in understanding all your options so you can quickly start your therapy. We work only with top doctors in the field of oncology assuring quality medical treatments. Contact us or ask for a quote.