What is pancreas?

Pancreas is a 6-inch sponge-like balloon-shaped body behind the abdomen. Pancreas has two important functions: to produce digestive juices (enzymes) that help the intestine to dissolve the food and to produce hormones (including insulin) that regulate the use of glucose and starch in the body. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the malign (cancerous) cells are grown and spread to the pancreas.

Symptoms of the pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is called a "silent" disease, because typically, complaints do not occur in the early stages. When cancer grows and spreads, pains occur especially on the upper side and spread to the back. The pain becomes even worse when eating and sleeping. Other symptoms include jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness.

Causes of the pancreatic cancer

Despite the fact that the base cause is unknown, cigarettes are one of the most important known risk factors. The pancreatic cancer is encountered at smokers twice more than at non-smokers. The disease is usually found in people over 45 years of age. Diabetes is sometimes a symptom of the disease and sometimes it may occur after the disease. There is a high likelihood of the pancreatic cancer at people constantly using alcohol. In patients with chronic pancreatitis, the possibility of the pancreatic cancer increases 7 times. The presence of the pancreatic cancer in the family, intake of oil in the excess quantity, passive lifestyle are among the causes of the pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosing the pancreatic cancer

It was very difficult to diagnose the pancreatic cancer before. Physicians can not diagnose this type of cancer by seeing and examining. Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer are first required to perform instrumental examinations (MRI, CT, USE) and additional analyzes are also required. Today, the most reliable method is quality MRI scan.

Is it possible to prevent the pancreatic cancer?

It was very difficult to diagnose the pancreatic cancer before. Physicians can not diagnose this type of cancer by seeing and examining. Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer are first required to perform instrumental examinations (MRI, CT, USE) and additional analyzes are also required. Today, the most reliable method is quality MRI scan.

If you don’t want to suffer from the pancreatic cancer:

• Give up immediately if you smoke
• Exclude oil from your food
• Take measures immediately, if you have passive and inactive life style
• Get rid of obesity