Pancreatic Cancer is a cancer of the pancreas, an organ which is part of the digestive system. Pancreatic cancer is notorious for having very few symptoms. The pancreas can be found at the back of the stomach. It performs two functions. It produces insulin, the hormone which controls levels of sugar throughout the body. It also produces pancreatic juices, enzymes which help food to be digested in the small intestine.

Pancreatic cancer cells travel through a series of thin vessels known as the lymphatic system. Doctors can determine the presence of pancreatic cancer by removing the lymph nodes, bean-shaped objects which harbour white blood cells.

Some of the pancreatic cancer symptoms include a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, known as jaundice. This is because the bile duct through which the pancreatic juices flow become blocked. The urine also becomes darker in colour.

As pancreatic cancer develops, pancreatic cancer symptoms become more severe. Patients experience pain in the upper abdomen which can also be felt in the back. The pain becomes worse after the person eats or lies down. It is often accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite, weakness and weight loss.

There is a rare type of pancreatic cancer called islet cell cancer. It causes the overproduction of insulin. Symptoms include sweats, chills and muscle spasms. Patients may also feel weak and dizzy.

There are a number of risk factors which leave patients prone to the pancreatic cancer symptoms. Being overweight leaves patients vulnerable, as does a family history of pancreatitis. African-Americans and older people are particularly susceptible to pancreatic cancer. Most of the people who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are in their 70s and 80s.

The pancreatic cancer symptoms are usually experienced when the disease is at a later stage and has spread to other organs. Because the pancreas is located behind other organs, the tumours are usually only felt during physical examination when they are very large.

There are also no blood tests to facilitate early detection. Pancreatic cancer cells produce a substance called CA 19-9, but this can usually only be detected when the disease is at a later stage. Therefore, it does not form part of routine health examinations.

Carcinoembryonic antigen can be used to confirm the symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer, but it is not sitive enough to detect cancer at an early stage.

Genetic testing is the best way to determine whether patients are likely to develop the pancreatic cancer symptoms. About 10% of pancreatic cancers are inherited, so visiting a genetic counsellor can help patients determine their risk.

The pancreatic cancer symptoms can be confirmed through a physical examination, a chest x-ray, an MRI scan, a CT scan and a PET scan. The ducts themselves can be examined through an endoscope, which is a special x-ray and a laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure.

Pancreatic cancer can be treated successfully if it has not spread through surgery. If pancreatic cancer has spread, palliative care can control the pancreatic cancer symptoms and help patients continue to enjoy quality of life.

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