Cancer is a very serious and deadly illness that affects millions of people worldwide. There are several forms of cancer, each with its own set of symptoms. Sadly, many who experience early signs of cancer do not recognize the symptoms. They shrug off feelings of fatigue or pain, and equate them to minor conditions. However, most cancers begin as mysterious aches that never cease. Additionally, many cancers do not present any symptoms until the very end. Victims may have noticeable fatigue, but nothing too alarming. Cancers that show few early signs are termed "silent killer." This term is appropriate because cancerous cell gradually develop and spread. The more advance the cancer at the time of diagnosis, the more difficult it is to cure. Pancreatic cancer ranks high on the list of silent killers. Other silent killers include stomach cancer and ovarian cancer.

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a very small organ that is approximately 6 inches in length. The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen region behind the stomach. The purpose of the pancreas is to make juices and hormones that will assist the body with digesting food. Both of these are vital for the body to work properly.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the pancreas. Our bodies consist of healthy cells which are intended to keep us healthy. When humans develop infections or colds, the healthy cells attack, and rid the body of the germs that are causing the infection. In the process, some healthy cells die. However, the body has an amazing way of repairing itself, thus healthy cell occasionally divide to create additional healthy cells. In rare instances, healthy cells divide abnormally. Abnormal cells are cancerous, and they begin attacking and killing the healthy cells. Moreover, cancerous cells divide rapidly. The increase of malignant cancerous cells results in a deterioration of healthy, and if left untreated, will lead to death.

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Many physicians and researchers are unable to determine the exact cause of cancer. In most cases, cancer appears to be a random illness with few warning signs. Nonetheless, researchers have concluded that certain factors do place a person at a greater risk of developing cancer, including pancreatic cancer. For example, pancreatic cancer is more common among those over the age of 60. However, younger adults are not exempt. Other important risk factors include:

• Race: African-American women and men have a higher risk than other nationalities.
• Sex: Pancreatic cancer affects men more than women
• Smoking: The use of tobacco products doubles a person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer
• Diabetes: A large percentage of those who develop pancreatic cancer also suffer from diabetes
• Family history of pancreatic cancer and other forms of cancers
• Begin overweight
• Suffering from ulcers
• Infrequent exercising

Two common forms of pancreatic cancer include:

Adenocarcinomas: Cancer that develops in the ducts that produce digestive juices. This form of pancreatic cancer accounts for nearly 95% of all cases.

Ampullary cancers: Cancer that develops in the area of the pancreas that empties into the intestines. This form of cancer results in jaundice, which is a yellowing of skin and eyes.

Cancerous tumors may also form in the islet cells, glucagon cells, and the insulin cells.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Sadly, pancreatic cancer does not cause any noticeable signs in its early stage. This is the reason why many who suffer from the illness die prematurely. When symptoms finally appear, the disease has advanced to a critical stage, with a full recovery being an unlikely possibility. Pancreatic cancer generally presents five symptoms, they include:

Upper abdominal pain: Many people dismiss abdominal pain as a minor problem; however, a severe onset of abdominal pain is one of the first signs of pancreatic cancer. The pain generally occurs after eating, thus many mistake this symptom for indigestion. Additionally, abdominal pain may become more severe when lying down. Any unusual abdominal discomfort that does not lessen should be examined by a doctor for the presence of an illness.

Loss of appetite and weight loss: Individuals in the advanced stage of pancreatic cancer may also suffer from unexplained weight loss. Cancerous cells rob the body of vital nutrients which are essential to maintaining a stable weight. Moreover, those with this form of cancer may consume little food because of a small or no appetite.

Jaundice: The yellowing of the skin and eyes is common in individual with pancreatic cancer. Of course, jaundice is also a symptom of many other illnesses. Thus, those who experience jaundice, minus other symptoms of pancreatic cancer, are likely ailing with a non-life threatening illness.

Itching: Uncontrolled or unexplained itching is a common symptom of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Digestive Tract Problem: Individuals with pancreatic cancer may have a difficult time digesting food, and experience nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer spreads very rapidly, thus an early diagnosis is vital to sustain life. Unfortunately, as a leader among "silent killers," this form of cancer is rarely detected early. In fact, many who are newly diagnosed with the illness have less than a 50/50 chance of survival. Because of the location of the pancreas, any pain that is due to the cancer may be mistaken for other ailments such as ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or a urinary tract infection. Ultrasounds, which are an imaging device, are highly effective with diagnosing pancreatic cancer. A CAT scan or an MRI is equally effective. These machines allow doctors to view organs and surrounding tissues. Any abnormalities or tumors will be detected. Once an imaging test confirms pancreatic cancer, physicians will likely perform a biopsy, removing tissue samples from the pancreas. The stage of the cancer must also be determined. Staging the cancer is vital for determining the best treatment option.

Treatment Options

Surgery is an effective treatment option during the early stages of pancreatic cancer. In most cases, the pancreas is not removed, only the cancerous tumor or growth is removed. In severe circumstances, surgeons may remove the entire pancreas. Because the pancreas is a vital organ, patients will likely have to undergo a pancreas transplant or receive pancreatic enzyme injections to keep their body functioning properly.

Once the cancer has spread to other organs, surgery is no longer an option. Patients may undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy consists of high energy X-rays that are intended to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. Similarly, chemotherapy is a drug that is intended to kill cancerous cells and prevent the growth and development of new cells. Cancer patients who have undergone surgery may receive additional treatment to ensure that their bodies are cancer-free.