Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a terrible, debilitating form of cancer that occurs when malignant cells develop in the pancreas tissue. The pancreas is an organ that is situated behind the stomach. Like some other cancers, pancreatic cancer is especially dangerous because it is not generally detected until it has spread and developed into a more advanced stage. Victims of pancreatic cancer will experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, itching, vomiting or digestive problems.

Functions of the Pancreas:

The pancreas has two major functions - to produce digestive and enzymes and to manufacture the hormones insulin and glucagons. A tumor originates in the ducts of the pancreas. Cancerous cells can form in other areas of the pancreas, but the majority of pancreatic tumors originate in these ducts which produce digestive enzymes. One of the leading causes of pancreatic cancer other than genetics is smoking. Smoking will greatly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down food so the body can absorb the nutrition of the food. With a tumor infecting the pancreas, this normal function cannot be accomplished. This can lead to severe diarrhea. Other complications could be jaundice, pain, or metastasis.

Pancreatic cancer is most prevalent in those who are 65 or older, which by logical result means that age is a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer. The race, gender, presence of hereditary pancreatitis and excess weight will also increase the risk of this disease forming. Cigarette smoking will greatly increase the risk of getting pancreatic cancer and exponentially increase the chance of other genetic risk factors combining to form the disease.

Tests for Pancreatic cancer:

If your doctor suspects that you may have pancreatic cancer, he or she will need to perform specific tests that will help him or her decide on the best treatment plan. Pancreatic cancer can spread rather quickly; therefore, the doctor initially needs to determine how far the cancer has spread. Some of the tests could include ultrasound imaging, a CT scan, MRI scan or an Endoscopic ultrasound.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer:

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you need to contact an attorney as soon as you get your test results. If you are a smoker and are suffering from this condition or other medical illnesses caused by your smoking, you do have legal options. Contact an attorney with experience today to and learn more about how recent court decisions have greatly increased your ability to pursue and defend your rights.