Pancreatic Cancer Part 2

There are three stages of Pancreatic cancer. They are as follows:

•  Resectable: The tumor nodules can be removed
•  Locally advanced: The cancer has spread to areas surrounding the pancreas, such as tissues or blood vessels
• Metastatic: The cancer resides in multiple organs

Sometimes, doctors use a classification system based on four numeric stages. This is known as the

AJCC(American Joint Committee on Cancer) staging system and is used for a variety of different cancers types, including pancreatic cancer. Using the pancreatic cancer staging system, doctors differentiate when the disease spread to the tissue surrounding the pancreas(stage II) and when cancer has reached the blood vessels near the pancreas (stage III). This system still acknowledges the advanced stage of pancreatic cancer as metastatic.

Other times, a grade level is given to pancreatic cancer. Much like the stages of pancreatic cancer, grades help classify how aggressive the tumor is, and how likely it is to grow and spread to surrounding tissue and other locations in the body. Grade levels range between 1 and 4 with G1(grade 1) denoting cancers that look similar to normal cells, and G4(grade 4) denoting cancer cells that are highly abnormal in appearance.

Types of Pancreatic cancer.

Every pancreatic patient is different. Pancreatic cancer is classified into two main types: those that form in the exocrine gland and those that form in the endocrine gland. About 95% of pancreatic cancers begin in the exocrine(enzyme producing) cells of the pancreas. Most of the pancreas is made of exocrine cells, and most tumors affecting these cells are called adenocarcinomas. Found in many other cancers, including breast, prostate and lung, adenocarcinomas most often form in glads that secrete fluids. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas most often form in the exocrine cells found in pancreas ducts. Treatment for adenocarcinomas of thte pancreras is based on the stage and size of the tumor.

Endocrine tumors: These tumors are less common and are most often benign. Though rare, cancer stemming from a pancreatic endocrine tumor(PET) affects the hormone-producing cells. These

tumors are also called islet cell tumors or neuroendocrine tumors.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer.

Each year, more than 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Now one knows if or when the disease will develop, but understanding the risk factors for pancreatic cancer may help you take measures to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

Cancer of the pancreas is caused when mutated cells grow out of control, forming a tumor. While the exact cause is not known, certain risk factors are strongly linked to the disease including tobacco smoking and obesity. Also, people with a hereditary cancer syndrome or specific genetic mutations have a higher risk or develop the disease.

Known risk factors. Age, with nearly 90% of all pancreatic cancers found in people 55 and older

Gender, with cancer somewhat more common in men than women. Obesity. Diabetes. Chronic panceatitis. Cirrhosis of the liver. Helicobactor pylon(H.pylori) infection . Almost one third of pancreatic cancers is linked to smoking cigarettes. Carcinogens(cancer causing chemicals) found in tobacco products may damage the pancreas, and smoking may add to the risks associated with other conditions, like long-term inflammation of the pancreas(chronic pancreatitis). Likewise, the risk of diabetes and obesity may also be greater if an individual smokes.

Genetic. About 10% of the pancreatic cancers are thought to be related to genetic factors, meaning an inherited gene mutation is passed on from parents to their children. Although these genetic conditions do not directly cause pancreatic cancer, they may increase your risks for developing the disease.

Next week, signs of pancreatic cancer and treatments.

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