Pancreatic Cancer Research Paper

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma / Pancreatic Cancer
This paper will be focusing on pancreatic adenocarcinoma, more commonly known as pancreatic cancer. Discussion will consider the etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the prognosis. To further understand this cancer, a first-hand encounter from a family point of view will be introduced as well.
Etiology
When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 95% of the time it is pancreatic adenocarcinoma; this form starts in the ducts of the pancreas (Pancreatic Cancer, n.d.). Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in men and women (Pancreatic Cancer, 2017). No real cause has been discovered, but certain risk factors are thought to play a role in the development of …show more content…
These symptoms can also be associated in women as symptoms of their monthly cycle, leading the individual to believe that seeing a doctor is not needed. A few signs that are not as common would be onset diabetes, diarrhea, and dark urine. A big sign that can even lead to death is blood clots. Often after a person has been diagnosed and they start to complain of pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort, chances are they have signs of blood clots. A doctor should be seen right away with this symptom.
Probably the biggest sign of pancreatic cancer is jaundice. This happens in individuals with this cancer because of a tumor blocking the bile duct. When this duct becomes blocked, we get bilirubin that has no place to go. Bilirubin, in excess amounts can cause the skin to appear yellow. Usually when this sign shows, the cancer is in a later stage. …show more content…
If a mass is found the next step is a biopsy. This is done so that before a doctor says for sure an individual has cancer, they are certain what it is. Biopsies take tissue samples from the tumor to make a clear diagnosis. From this point the pancreatic cancer will be staged based on location of tumors and size. If you are diagnosed with stage IV, this means that the cancer has spread to other organs.
Treatment
When treatment options are talked about, the stage in which the cancer is at matters. If pancreatic cancer is in early stages, meaning it has not spread to other organs, options for surgery increase. The most difficult of the surgery options is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple. When performing a Whipple, doctors remove the head of the pancreas along with first section of the small intestine, gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. Because most patients are not diagnosed in before the cancer has spread, this option is not always

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