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The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way and form a growth (tumor). The cancer cells can grow into surrounding blood vessels or organs such as the small bowel (duodenum). And may spread to other areas of the body. The pancreas is quite high up in your abdomen. It lies across your body where your ribs meet at the bottom of your breastbone, just behind your stomach. It is about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and shaped like a leaf.
The pancreas is a large gland that makes digestive juices and hormones, including insulin. The digestive juices flow down a tube (pancreatic duct) into the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small bowel and is joined to the stomach. Another tube (duct) joins the duodenum. The bile duct comes down from the gallbladder and liver and joins the duodenum right next to the pancreatic duct. The place where the two ducts join and meet the bowel is called the ampulla of Vater.
The digestive system breaks up and digests food. After about 2 hours in the stomach, the partly digested food moves into the beginning of the duodenum. When the food reaches the duodenum, the pancreas releases its digestive juices which flow down the pancreatic duct and mix with the food. The juices contain enzymes that help to break down the food into very small fragments. These fragments are absorbed into the body through the small bowel.
The pancreas makes insulin. Specialized cells within the pancreas release insulin directly into the bloodstream. Insulin keeps the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood at a stable level. This means that the body cells get enough sugar, but not too much. The pancreas makes and releases more insulin if the level of sugar in the blood is high. If the level is too low, it releases less. You have a condition called diabetes if you don't make enough insulin.
Well-experienced pancreatic specialist near me and surgeon in Katy and Sugar Land Serving Greater Houston Areas. Your pancreas is located below the stomach, in the lower part of the abdomen. It releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreatic tissues. The tumors in the pancreas can be cancerous or noncancerous. The most common type of pancreatic cancer starts in the lining of the pancreatic ducts (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma). Most pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in patients aged 65 and older.
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped storage organ located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder's main function is to store bile, a fluid that helps with digestion. It is not an essential part of the body as bile can reach the small intestine in many other ways. Removing the gallbladder does not impact the body's ability to function healthily. Your body will still produce enough bile, and you should be able to resume eating a normal, healthy, balanced diet as you did before.
The most common reason for gallbladder removal is problems with gallstones. Gallstones are very common and do not always cause symptoms or require treatment. Cholecystectomy is the most effective way to treat gallstones or other gallbladder diseases. It is sometimes done as open surgery, using a large incision. Cost of gallbladder surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. Whatever treatment you require, our specialist consultants will work together to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. We will also arrange follow-ups, and our team is on hand 24/7 should you require any further advice.
If your bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin (a pigment) sometimes little chunks of it harden and form gallstones. These end up blocking the bile ducts and inflaming the gallbladder. This condition, known as cholecystitis, can be acute or chronic. This can eventually lead to the formation of a tumor. The gallbladder is a small, sac-like organ that lives under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid secreted by the liver which helps digest food. Gallbladder cancer can spread through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood. If the tumors metastasize beyond the gallbladder, then gallbladder disease treatment gets harder.
The best treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and individualized treatment plans. Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease, and its treatment may involve a combination of approaches. Here are some common treatment options:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the preferred treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially if the cancer is detected at an early stage and hasn't spread beyond the pancreas. Surgical options may include a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is typically used before or after surgery to shrink tumors, kill cancer cells, or prevent the cancer from coming back. Gemcitabine-based regimens and FOLFIRINOX are common chemotherapy options.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. Examples include erlotinib and sunitinib, which may be used in combination with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While not yet as established as other treatments for pancreatic cancer, ongoing research is exploring the potential of immunotherapy in this context.
Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain, and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. It can be used alongside other treatments or as the primary approach when the cancer is not curable.
Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials can provide access to experimental treatments and therapies that are not yet widely available. Patients should discuss the possibility of clinical trial enrollment with their healthcare team.
It's essential to consult with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual with pancreatic cancer. Treatment decisions should consider the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their preferences. Pancreatic cancer can be challenging to treat, and outcomes vary, so it's important to have open and ongoing discussions with healthcare providers to make informed decisions. Early detection and intervention are key factors in improving the prognosis for pancreatic cancer.
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