Pancreatic cancer: How much do you know about this "health killer" hidden deep in the abdominal cavity?

Recently, the topic "36-year-old man who had annual physical examination was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer" has become a hot topic on the Internet. The man often exercises and has annual physical examinations. He went to the doctor because of yellow skin and eyeballs and loss of appetite, but was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. The result was surprising. The topic has attracted widespread attention from netizens. "Pancreatic cancer" is unfamiliar and frightening to most people.

Pu Qunwang, director of the General Surgery Department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (affiliated hospital of Hunan Provincial Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) , said that pancreatic cancer originates from malignant tumors of pancreatic duct epithelium and acinar cells, and is known as the "king of cancer". It is highly malignant, has an insidious onset, is difficult to diagnose early, progresses rapidly, and has a short survival time. Its morbidity and mortality rates rank among the top ten malignant tumors in China.

1. What are the four major symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

1. Abdominal discomfort

The pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity and is surrounded by other organs. Its endocrine and endocrine functions affect the body's blood sugar and digestion. When you have pancreatic cancer, you may have digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, back pain, etc., which can be easily mistaken for gastrointestinal or gallbladder diseases.

2. Jaundice

Pancreatic cancer causes obstruction of the bile duct outlet and accumulation of bile in the body, resulting in yellowing of the skin and sclera, dark tea-colored urine, clay-like stools, and itchy skin, which are the main manifestations of pancreatic head cancer.

3. Weight loss and fatigue. Pancreatic cancer develops rapidly. The tumor consumes a lot of energy. Coupled with loss of appetite and indigestion, 80-90% of patients have symptoms of weight loss and fatigue in the early stages.

4. Pain

As the disease progresses, the tumor grows and invades the celiac plexus, causing persistent low back and abdominal pain.

2. Who are the high-risk groups for pancreatic cancer?

1. Genetic factors

People with a family history of pancreatic cancer or carrying susceptible genes are at high risk.

2. New-onset diabetes

Diabetes first diagnosed within the past two years is a warning sign of pancreatic cancer.

3. Chronic pancreatitis

Long-term chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of cancer.

4. Pancreatic cystic tumor

Some pancreatic cysts may become cancerous.

In addition, bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, obesity, and high-fat and high-protein diets are also associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and people with these habits need to be vigilant.

3. How to diagnose pancreatic cancer early?

In order to understand your own health, it is recommended to have regular targeted physical examinations. For those with high-risk factors, the blood tumor marker CA19-9 can be tested for elevation, and a routine upper abdominal MRI or CT scan can be performed to preliminarily determine the condition of the pancreas. Early detection of abnormalities and early medical treatment can increase the survival rate of cancer patients.

4. Treatment and prognosis of pancreatic cancer

Treatments for pancreatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine supportive care.

1. Surgical resection

It is the first choice. The early postoperative survival rate is significantly improved. The surgical procedures include pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, etc. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be needed after surgery.

2. Chemotherapy

Important auxiliary means, commonly used drugs such as gemcitabine and fluorouracil control the growth and spread of cancer cells and prolong survival.

3. Radiotherapy

Use radiation to destroy cancer cells locally, often combined with chemotherapy, to shrink tumors and relieve pain.

Experts advise

**Director Pu Qunwang reminds: **Pancreatic cancer is extremely malignant. In daily life, you should develop good living habits, quit smoking and limit alcohol, maintain a regular diet and work and rest, and avoid excessive obesity. People with high-risk factors such as a family history of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis should undergo regular physical examinations and screening to achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment. If the above suspicious symptoms appear in your body, do not take it lightly and seek medical attention in time so that the cause can be identified as soon as possible and effective treatment measures can be taken.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tian Juan and Tang Luoman, Department of General Surgery, Hunan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by Wx)