Pancreatic Cancer

If you are at a high risk for pancreatic cancer due to your family history or genetic predisposition, your doctor may order blood work or refer you to a gastroenterologist for annual screening as a preventive measure. Two types of tests commonly used are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound.

 

MRI – Your doctor will use advanced imaging equipment to take an MRI of your abdomen in order to look at your pancreas and other organs.

 

Endoscopic ultrasound – An endoscopic ultrasound can detect small pancreatic tumors that could be missed with an MRI. An endoscopic ultrasound is a thin tube with a camera at the end that is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. The ultrasound probe at the end allows imaging of the pancreas, stomach and small intestine.

 

If necessary, an ultrasound-guided biopsy (tissue sample) from the pancreas is taken. The procedure typically lasts about 15-30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

There are ways you can reduce your risk for cancers of the pancreas, including dietary and lifestyle changes, regular screenings and genetic testing.

 

Know Your Family History
Your family history gives you a lot of information that can help you and your doctor potentially stay ahead of a cancer diagnosis.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, up to 10% of pancreatic cancers have a genetic cause. One of the most common genetic causes is Lynch syndrome, which is also associated with increased risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, urinary tract and brain cancers.

 

Clinical genetic testing can help determine if you have mutated genes, such as the BRCA 2 gene, putting you at a higher risk.

 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of pancreatic cancer. Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Eat plenty of fiber and reduce your intake of red and processed meats. Avoid smoking and reduce your alcohol and soda intake.

 

Get Regular Care From Your PCP
A crucial part of cancer prevention includes getting regular care before you notice any symptoms. Work with your primary-care provider (PCP) for your annual checkups, immunizations and any recommended screenings.

Pay Attention to Your Body
You know what's normal for your body and what’s not, so you can notice subtle changes first. Let your doctor know if you experience jaundice or other pancreatic cancer symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, persistent dark urine, indigestion or vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping,  or unexplained weight loss.
Schedule an appointment with your physician right away if you have any concerns or questions.

If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

 

• Imaging tests – including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – uses a thin, flexible tube to pass an ultrasound device down your esophagus and into your stomach in order to obtain images of your abdomen. A biopsy may also be taken at this time so a tissue sample can be analyzed more closely under a microscope.
• Blood tests – used to look for tumor markers that signal pancreatic cancer, such as elevated CA19-9

Your care team works together to offer patients the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatment options and our surgeons have expertise performing even the most complex procedures needed to treat pancreatic cancer.

 

Learn more about how our experts treat pancreatic cancer >

Some people experience mild symptoms intermittently for less than a month to several years prior to diagnosis. By the time more noticeable symptoms arise, pancreatic cancer is often advanced. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:

 

• Diabetes
• Family history and genetics
• History of chronic pancreatitis
• History of pancreatic cysts
• Obesity
• Smoking

 

If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

 

• Imaging tests – including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – uses a thin, flexible tube to pass an ultrasound device down your esophagus and into your stomach in order to obtain images of your abdomen. A biopsy may also be taken at this time so a tissue sample can be analyzed more closely under a microscope.
• Blood tests – used to look for tumor markers that signal pancreatic cancer, such as elevated CA19-9

 

Your care team works together to offer patients the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatment options and our surgeons have expertise performing even the most complex procedures needed to treat pancreatic cancer. Treatment options include:

 

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

 

• Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
• Appetite loss or unintended weight loss
• Depression
• Onset of diabetes
• Blood clots
• Fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice)

 

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than pancreatic cancer. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

By the time more noticeable symptoms arise, pancreatic cancer is often advanced. However, studies have shown people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer experienced intermittent symptoms from less than a month to several years prior to diagnosis. Three common pancreatic cancer symptoms that may be easy to overlook include:

 

• Gastrointestinal issues – vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion 
• Pain – back, shoulder, upper gastrointestinal region
• Weight loss – when unintentional and unexplained

According to the American Cancer Society, survival rates are estimates based on previous outcomes of large numbers of people who had a specific cancer — but the estimates cannot predict what will happen in any specific individual’s case. You should discuss your unique case with your doctor to see how the estimated survival rates might apply to you.

Yes, pancreatic cancer can be curable, depending on the type and how soon you receive treatment. Early diagnosis can improve your treatment options and outcomes.

Survival rates vary, depending on your overall health, age and response to treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate of pancreatic cancer (percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis) is 12.8%.  

 

The primary reason for the low survival rate is due to a lack of noticeable symptoms until later stages when the cancer has already spread (metastasized) to other organs and areas in the body.

No, pancreatic cancer is not contagious. You cannot “catch” pancreatic cancer from someone else, nor can you pass the cancer on to someone else.

Some people experience mild symptoms intermittently for less than a month to several years prior to diagnosis. By the time more noticeable symptoms arise, pancreatic cancer is often advanced. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

Innovative therapies include minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, novel chemotherapy agents and immunotherapy.

 

Additionally, Houston Methodist supports numerous cancer-specific clinical trials, potentially offering patients access to promising treatments that aren't available anywhere else.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

 

• Appetite loss or unintended weight loss
• Blood clots
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Onset of diabetes
• Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
• Yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice)

 

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than pancreatic cancer. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. In most cases, pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas grow out of control, which is called pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This type accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.

 

Cancer can also form in the hormone-producing (neuroendocrine) cells of the pancreas, which is called a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor — although this type is much more rare.