Pancreatic cancer that has spread to the liver can cause various symptoms. Some warning signs that pancreatic cancer has spread to the liver include:
Discomfort or pain on the right side of the abdomen.
- Feeling sick
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- A swollen tummy (called ascites)
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and itchy skin (jaundice)
These symptoms can be vague and may be caused by other conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In some cases, pancreatic cancer can also cause blood clots, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected leg.
Additionally, pancreatic cancer can block the liver’s bile duct, causing jaundice, sources 1, 2.
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What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, an organ located deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine tumors (most common) and neuroendocrine tumors (less common).
Exocrine tumors, also known as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, originate in the exocrine component of the pancreas, which consists of ducts and small sacs called acini. Neuroendocrine tumors, also called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or islet cell tumors, originate in the endocrine component of the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with more than 55,000 people expected to be diagnosed in 2023. It is the 8th most common cancer in women and the 10th most common cancer in men.
The disease is more common in people over 65 years old, and certain risk factors include smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, family history of pancreatic cancer, and some genetic syndromes.
Early-stage pancreatic cancer often does not show up on imaging tests, making it difficult to diagnose until the cancer has spread (metastasized), sources 3.
What are the different stages of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is staged using the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) system, which describes the size of the primary tumor, whether it has grown outside the pancreas, and if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body
The stages of pancreatic cancer are as follows:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Abnormal cells are found in the lining of the pancreas, but the cancer has not yet grown outside the duct in which it started
- Stage I: Cancer is only found in the pancreas. Stage I is divided into two subcategories based on the size of the tumor: Stage IA: The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller (T1, N0, M0) Stage IB: The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters (T2, N0, M0).
- Stage II: The cancer may have metastasized to nearby tissue and organs or lymph nodes near the pancreas. Stage II is divided into two subcategories based on where the cancer has spread: Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and organs but not to nearby lymph nodes (T2, N1, M0). Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (T3, N1, M0)
- Stage III: The tumor may have expanded into nearby major blood vessels or nerves but has not metastasized to distant sites (T3, N2, M0)
- Stage IV: Pancreatic cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs (T4, N0, M1).
Knowing the stage of pancreatic cancer helps doctors recommend the best kind of treatment, predict a patient’s prognosis, and identify clinical trials that may be treatment options [sources 4, 5].
What is the survival rate pancreatic cancer?
The survival rate for pancreatic cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer in the United States is 12%. However, this rate can differ based on several factors, including the stage of cancer, a person’s age and general health, and how well the treatment plan works. The survival rates for different stages of pancreatic cancer in the United States are as follows:
- Localized: 44%
- Regional: 15%
- Distant: 3%
These numbers indicate the percentage of people who are living five years after diagnosis. It’s important to note that survival rates are based on data from previous years and may not reflect the most current advancements in treatment. Additionally, every patient is different, and individual outcomes can vary. Discussing the prognosis with a healthcare provider is essential for a better understanding of the specific circumstances.
What are the latest advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment?
Recent advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and new treatment strategies for advanced pancreatic cancer. Immunotherapy has shown promise in clinical trials, using the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy is another area of research, with drugs being studied to block tumor growth and spread. Additionally, new treatment strategies for advanced pancreatic cancer include switch maintenance with cytotoxic therapies, induction maintenance, and other approaches. Researchers are also working on improving imaging of the pancreas to detect tiny deposits of tumor cells. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and genetic/molecular studies and circulating tumor DNA are being investigated for this purpose. Finally, researchers are focused on developing biological therapies that are more targeted and effective. These advancements offer hope for better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, and ongoing clinical trials are exploring these and other treatment options [source: 6]
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Note: This article is written based on scientific evidence found by the soundhealthandlastingwealth.com team. Sources are duly referenced with parameters hyperlinked to source websites and are clickable for reference.
