Pancreatic Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Pancreatic cancer
starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is located just behind the stomach. It helps digest food by making enzymes. The pancreas also makes hormones, such as insulin, to help balance blood sugar levels.
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Common symptoms include the following:
- Abdominal or low back pain
- Weight loss without trying
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dark urine or light-colored bowel movements
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Your pain does not get better, even after you take pain medicine.
- Your abdomen is larger than usual.
Call your doctor if:
- You have new or worsening nausea or are vomiting.
- You have diarrhea, light-colored or oily, foul-smelling bowel movements.
- You have new or worsening weight loss, jaundice, or back pain.
- You feel depressed, anxious, or unable to cope with your condition.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer
may include any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to decrease pain or other symptoms. You may need pancreatic enzyme medicine to help your body digest protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your food. You may also need insulin to control your blood sugar level.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading. It is also used to reduce symptoms, such as pain.
- Chemotherapy is medicine that kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.
- Targeted therapy is medicine given to kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
- Surgery is done to remove part or all of your pancreas and lymph nodes near your pancreas. It is most often done for tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body. The kind of surgery you need will depend on the size and location of the tumor.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Self-care:
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Eat small meals throughout the day. You may not feel hungry, but it is important that you eat. Proper nutrition can give you more energy, maintain your weight, and help you feel better. A dietitian can help you find ways to get enough protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Ask if you need to take a pancreatic enzyme supplement with meals to help with digestion.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to drink more liquids than usual to prevent dehydration. This is especially true if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can make it difficult to manage your symptoms or side effects of treatment. Ask your oncologist before you drink alcohol. Also ask how much is okay for you to drink in 1 day or 1 week.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise may increase your energy level and appetite. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise you need and which exercises are best for you.
Follow up with your oncologist as directed:
You will need to return for more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information and support:
- American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street
Atlanta , GA 30303
Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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