Pancreatic Cancer (Part Four)

Sometimes cancer may not be completely removed. But if the tumor blocks the common bile duct or the duodenum, the surgeon may create a bypass by placing a biliary stent (just like the stents that unblock the heart's arteries) during the ERCP. The stent is a small, thin tube made of plastic or metal that helps keep the duct or duodenum open.

Radiotherapy, uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The machine directs the radiation at the abdomen. Radiotherapy can be done alone, or with surgery, chemotherapy, or all together.

Radiotherapy is local therapy. It damages cancer cells only in the area where the radiation is given. For radiotherapy, the patient goes to the hospital or clinic 5 days a week for several weeks in a row.

The doctor uses radiation to damage the remaining cancer cells at the site of the surgery. Also, radiation is used to relieve pain and other problems caused by the tumor.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is also used to relieve pain and other problems caused by the tumor. It can be given alone, with radiation, or with surgery and radiation.

Chemotherapy is systemic therapy. Drugs are given through an injection into a vein. Once the drug enters the bloodstream, it spreads throughout the body. Usually, chemotherapy does not require hospitalization. It can be done in the hospital, clinic, doctors' offices, or at home. However, depending on the type of medication used and the patient's health condition, the patient may need to be hospitalized.

Side effects of treatment

Since cancer treatment damages healthy cells, side effects are common. These effects depend on many factors including the type and duration of treatment. Side effects may not be the same for every person, and they may vary from one treatment to another. The medical team will explain the side effects to patients and will help them manage them.

• Surgery, for pancreatic cancer is a major operation and the patient needs to stay in the hospital for several days. The patient may feel tired and weak. Some may need to stay in bed at home for a month. The side effects of surgery depend on the type of operation, the patient's health condition before the operation, and other factors. Many patients have pain for days to weeks after the procedure. The patient should talk to the doctor or nurses about the pain and it can be kept under control with pain medication.
• Removing a part or all of the pancreas can make it difficult to digest food, so the medical team may design a diet plan and prescribe medications that help ease diarrhea, pain, cramps (severe pain), and the sensation of being bloated. During recovery from surgery, the doctor carefully monitors the patient's diet and weight. Initially, the patient may only receive intravenous fluids with extra nutrients added or be fed through a gastric tube. Solid foods are gradually introduced into the diet.
• After surgery, the patient lacks enough pancreatic enzymes and hormones. Those who do not have enough insulin may develop diabetes. Therefore, the need arises for the doctor to prescribe insulin treatment, other hormones, and enzymes.
• Radiotherapy, can cause excessive fatigue in patients. Rest is very important for them, but doctors usually recommend that the patient stays as active as possible.
• When the patient undergoes radiotherapy, the skin in the area where the radiation is performed becomes red, dry, and sensitive.
• Radiotherapy in the abdomen can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
• For many patients, the side effects of radiotherapy go away immediately after it ends.
• Chemotherapy. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of medication used, the doses, and how often it is given. Moreover, like any other type of medication, side effects vary from one patient to another.
  
  Systemic chemotherapy immediately affects cell division throughout the body, including blood cells. Blood cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When cancer-fighting drugs damage healthy blood cells, patients are vulnerable to infections, may bleed easily, and have less energy. The cells of hair roots and the mucous cells of the digestive tract can be immediately affected, resulting in hair loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth ulcers.

Usually, these effects gradually disappear during the recovery period between treatments or after the treatment has finished.

Prognosis (course)

When pancreatic cancer is removed surgically, healing can be expected. However, the healing rate is less than 50%. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually given to increase the healing rate. For pancreatic cancer that cannot be completely removed with surgery or cancer that has spread to other organs, cure is currently impossible.

Complications

Pancreatic cancer can result in weight loss, blood clots, liver function disorders, pain, and depression. Symptoms like pain can only be controlled with very aggressive soothing therapy.

Prevention

You should not smoke, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and exercise regularly.