How to diagnose pancreatic cancer in the early stages: first symptoms and diagnostic methods

Oncopathology of this type is complicated by the location of the affected organ. Carrying out the operation requires high qualifications specialist and is often dangerous to the patient’s health. In addition, it is difficult to diagnose the disease at an early stage. not always, since the pathology develops over many years asymptomatically, and the appearance of the first signs may already indicate stage 3 or 4.

This oncopathology ranks sixth in prevalence among all malignant tumors. Most often it develops in older people, from 60 years of age. The head of the pancreas is mainly affected, complete damage and localization in the head occurs much less frequently.

Etiology.

The exact reasons for the development of oncopathology of this type have not been established, however, there are known factors that influence the development of cancer pathology

• Consumption of nicotine-containing products.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Chronic pancreatitis.
• Elderly age.
• Gender: the disease is more often diagnosed in men.
• Overweight.
• Diets high in meat products, cholesterol, fried foods.
• Heredity.

The first symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

If you suspect pancreatic cancer, the first symptoms may indicate that oncopathology has already developed to stage 3 or 4. As a rule, the early stages do not differ noticeably symptoms, and cancer pathology can only be suspected based on subjective sensations.

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, symptoms may be as follows:

• Feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the abdomen, localized in the upper part.
• Signs of diabetes: increased glucose levels, feeling thirsty, etc.
• Increased frequency of stools with a change in its consistency to liquid.
• Increased fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

With the development of the disease, the following symptoms of pancreatic cancer in women and men are noted:

• Pain in the abdomen intensifies and radiates to the back.
• A yellow tint to the skin and mucous membranes appears.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Bloating, increased gas formation, diarrhea.
• Sharp weight loss.

All these symptoms are nonspecific and indicate the development of cancer pathology only indirectly, therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo additional examination in the oncology department.

Varieties and complications

There are such types of malignant formations as:

• Adenocarcinoma, which is a neoplasm formed from glandular type cells. Diagnosed in the vast majority of cases. The most common tumor is ductal adenocarcinoma. Less commonly, oncopathology of the acinar cell type.
• Papillary and cystic mucinous formations of the intrastream type, which may be related with oncopathology of an invasive nature. This type of formation is benign, however they can turn into cancer over time. If such formations are detected, it is necessary to constantly see a specialist. In most cases, cystic tumors are removed, while papillary tumors are operated on. only under certain circumstances.
• Oncopathologies of the squamous, undifferentiated, adenosquamous type are the least common.

Complications include the following:

• Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, which causes increased pain, swelling, redness and fever.
• Mechanical jaundice caused by compression of the bile duct. Characterized by changes in skin color and mucous membranes, enlarged abdomen, and itching.
• Intoxication caused by the breakdown of formation. During this process, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, increased fatigue, depressed psycho-emotional state, and apathy are noted.

Often the development of this malignant formation leads to diabetes mellitus and an increase in the size of the spleen, as well as bleeding in organs injured by tumor germination.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

In order to determine how to treat the pancreas in a particular case, it is important to conduct professional diagnostics and accurately make a diagnosis.

What methods are used:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, including endosonography. The second method is considered the most informative, as it allows you to get the maximum possible access to the pancreas.
• RKT.
• MRI.
• EGD.
• Biopsy: the most accurate way to identify cancer cells.
• PET scanning allows you to detect the location of distant metastases.

Blood tests are also carried out. In particular, the development of pathology is indicated by an increase in the level of enzymes, bilirubin and other components.

The ratio of tumor markers is also studied. With this type of oncopathology, two are taken into account: carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and cancer embryonic antigen (CEA, CEA). The difficulty in diagnosis is that the level of these markers cannot be taken into account as an independent method of diagnosis. Thus, in the presence of a neoplasm, the level may be low, and an increase may be caused by another disease. However, monitoring levels is effective in adjusting therapy. Thus, its increase indicates that that the treatment does not bring results, and it is necessary to choose another technique. And growth in the postoperative period indicates tumor recurrence.

Modern treatment methods

The location of the organ imposes certain restrictions on the available treatment methods.

• The operation is prescribed extremely rarely. In this case, there should be no germination into neighboring organs or metastases. As a rule, this method of treatment is used only for young people.
• Chemotherapy most often acts as an additional method of complex treatment, since the drugs do not have a strong effect on the tumor. This method is combined with radiation and hormonal therapy, and is also used as palliative care.
• Radiation therapy is most often used to eliminate residual cancer cells after surgery or before surgery to shrink the tumor.

In the presence of metastases, additional drugs are selected that can reduce their number and improve the patient’s condition.

Disease prevention and timely professional diagnosis

Cancer is a disease that cannot yet be completely prevented. However, you can significantly reduce the risk of its development. What to do:

• Quit using tobacco and alcohol-containing products.
• Ensure optimal body weight depending on BMI: this can be done by normalizing nutrition and sufficient physical activity.
• When working in hazardous industries, do not neglect personal protective measures and personal hygiene.

The earlier the disease is identified, the easier it is to fight it. At the first signs of discomfort, you should contact a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

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