Detecting pancreatic cancer: Difficult to diagnose – new opportunities in treatment

Detecting pancreatic cancer: Difficult to diagnose – new opportunities in treatment

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers. In Thailand it is one of the ten most common cancers in men. Although it occurs less frequently than other tumor diseases, it has one of the highest mortality rates. The main reason for this is that the disease usually causes few or no clear symptoms in its early stages. Many people affected only receive their diagnosis when the cancer is already well advanced.

Dr. Thanapoom Limtrakul, specialist in liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases at Vejthani International Hospital, explains why this type of cancer is so treacherous and what modern treatment options are available today.

The pancreas – a central organ

The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It is around 12 to 15 centimeters long and fulfills two vital tasks: On the one hand, it produces digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. On the other hand, it produces the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

If the pancreas malfunctions, this has a direct impact on digestion and sugar metabolism - with far-reaching consequences for the entire body.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not yet clearly understood. However, there are several known risk factors that increase the risk of the disease:

• männliches Geschlecht
• Alter über 55 Jahre
• Rauchen (2- bis 3-fach erhöhtes Risiko)
• chronische Bauchspeicheldrüsenentzündung, häufig durch Alkohol
• Adipositas
• fettreiche Ernährung
• bestimmte genetische Erkrankungen

Why diagnosis is so difficult

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose. In the early stages, specific symptoms are usually absent. That's why many patients only seek medical help when the tumor has already grown into surrounding tissue or has metastasized.

However, as the disease progresses, the following warning signs may occur:

• Appetitlosigkeit
• ungewollter Gewichtsverlust
• Schmerzen im Oberbauch, oft mit Ausstrahlung in den Rücken
• Gelbsucht (gelbe Haut und Augen)
• dunkler Urin
• heller oder entfärbter Stuhl

These symptoms should be taken seriously and medically clarified immediately.

Modern diagnostics

Special imaging procedures are necessary for a reliable diagnosis. These include, above all, computer tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (Endoscopic Ultrasound, EUS), which enables a particularly precise representation of the pancreas.

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer

The most effective treatment is complete surgical removal of the tumor. However, this option is only an option for some patients. Depending on the stage, a distinction is made between three basic treatment situations:

1. Operable tumor (resectable)

If the tumor is in the head of the pancreas, a so-called Whipple operation is usually performed. The head of the pancreas, parts of the stomach, the small intestine and the bile ducts are removed together, supplemented by the removal of surrounding lymph nodes.

If the tumor is in the tail area of ​​the pancreas, the affected part of the pancreas is removed together with the spleen.

These procedures are technically demanding and are among the most complex operations in visceral surgery. Classic minimally invasive methods are often not sufficient. However, modern robot-assisted surgical procedures now enable comparable results with a smaller incision, less pain and faster recovery.

2. Borderline operable tumor (borderline)

In these cases, chemotherapy is given first to shrink the tumor and enable later surgery.

3. Inoperable tumor

If surgery is no longer possible, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to slow tumor growth, relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a silent, aggressive disease whose prognosis depends heavily on early diagnosis. Knowledge of risk factors, recognizing warning signs and timely medical evaluation can make a decisive contribution to improving treatment options and extending life expectancy.

People with increased risk or persistent symptoms should not hesitate to consult specialized doctors and receive comprehensive advice.