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Pancreatic cancer: Difference between revisions
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<section begin="oncology" /><section begin="radiology" />'''Pancreatic cancer''', of which '''pancreatic adenocarcinoma''' is the most common histological type, is a malignancy with one of the highest mortality rates. It’s aggressive, causes no early symptoms, and is difficult to treat. It mostly affects elderly men.<section end="radiology" /> | <section begin="surgery" /><section begin="oncology" /><section begin="radiology" />'''Pancreatic cancer''', of which '''pancreatic adenocarcinoma''' is the most common histological type, is a malignancy with one of the highest mortality rates. It’s aggressive, causes no early symptoms, and is difficult to treat. It mostly affects elderly men.<section end="radiology" /> | ||
Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer, but the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. About 85% of cases are irresectable at the time of diagnosis due to being metastatic or locally advanced. It responds poorly to chemotherapy and grows quickly. The overall 5-year survival for all patients (regardless of stage) is < 5%, and even in the early stages the median survival is 2 years. | Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer, but the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. About 85% of cases are irresectable at the time of diagnosis due to being metastatic or locally advanced. It responds poorly to chemotherapy and grows quickly. The overall 5-year survival for all patients (regardless of stage) is < 5%, and even in the early stages the median survival is 2 years. | ||
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A permanent coeliac ganglion block (coeliac plexus neurolysis) can be used for pain management in case pharmacological therapy is insufficient. This involves radiographically guided puncture of the coeliac ganglion, followed by installation of ethanol, which destroys the nerve tissue permanently. Injection of a local anaesthetic instead produces temporary pain relief (and is mostly used for chronic pancreatitis). | A permanent coeliac ganglion block (coeliac plexus neurolysis) can be used for pain management in case pharmacological therapy is insufficient. This involves radiographically guided puncture of the coeliac ganglion, followed by installation of ethanol, which destroys the nerve tissue permanently. Injection of a local anaesthetic instead produces temporary pain relief (and is mostly used for chronic pancreatitis). | ||
Chemotherapy (with gemcitabine and erlotinib) may also be used for palliative therapy.<section end="oncology" /> | Chemotherapy (with gemcitabine and erlotinib) may also be used for palliative therapy.<section end="oncology" /><section end="surgery" /> | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is very aggressive. Metastases are often present upon diagnosis. It frequently invades local structures and can even invade the portal vein itself. If the tumor invades other structures locally is it frequently considered inoperable. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. | Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is very aggressive. Metastases are often present upon diagnosis. It frequently invades local structures and can even invade the portal vein itself. If the tumor invades other structures locally is it frequently considered inoperable. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. | ||