They require collaborative action among healthcare professionals to improve the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Compilation
Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer requires joint and coordinated actions all health professionals, starting with primary health care, to identify those cases in which there are warning signs of this tumor, and thus achieve reduce its high mortality rate. In this sense, the Spanish Digestive System Foundation (FEAD) joins the celebration of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, celebrated on November 21, to highlight its relevance, mortality and the importance of improving its early diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the few tumors whose mortality continues to persist over time because, among other factors, “No progress has been made in early diagnosis”indicates Dr. Julio Iglesias-Garcia, Treasurer of the Spanish Digestive Foundation (FEAD) and Head of the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the University Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. Despite advances in imaging techniques, “There is still a problem with diagnostic suspicion“. So we have to work on educating ourselves, starting in primary care, so that both radiologists and gastroenterologists can try to detect tumors as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Julio Iglesias-Garcia: “Despite advances in imaging techniques, there is still a problem with diagnostic suspicion”
To improve early diagnosis, “One of the symptoms that should alert us is people with newly diagnosed diabetes who do not have the typical type 2 diabetes profile of being obese or overweight.” but those “The diagnosis was made recently, but it’s quite thin,” the doctor emphasizes. In addition, this also includes patients who suddenly develop poor diabetes control and with excessive weight loss. “Both situations may indicate that a more serious problem with the pancreas is behind us,” explains Dr. Iglesias-Garcia.
family history and genetic mutations They are also important risk factors that need to be taken into account and require monitoring as they are more likely to develop this tumor. “Keeping a good clinical history, including family history, can lead to diagnosis before symptoms appear.” the doctor adds. Drinking alcohol and smoking can also affect the appearance of this tumor.
“Getting a good clinical history, including family history, can lead to diagnosis before symptoms appear,” explains Dr. Iglesias-Garcia.
Care
If pancreatic cancer is suspected ultrasound endoscopy This is the most useful tool for detecting it. “Developing endoscopic ultrasound machines with easy and quick access for patients is critical to identifying these tumors, especially small ones.” After, additional studies are carried out, such as CT, MRI…, but “We must realize that endoscopy is the main diagnostic modality for early diagnosis and will allow us to confirm the suspected diagnosis of this tumor.”
Dr. Iglesias-Garcia: “We must recognize that ultrasound endoscopy is an excellent test in the initial stages of diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer treatment It is multifactorial and need to be treated somehow individualized per patient. In this sense, not only an oncological approach focused on chemotherapy is needed, but also “Supportive treatment required”– notes the expert. This includes enzyme replacement therapy, as many patients suffer from pancreatic insufficiency. Except, “Optimizing pain management, addressing malnutrition, and local treatment of the nerves causing pain in the pancreas are essential to improve the patient’s quality of life.” On the other hand, they explore new local treatment strategies under the control of endoscopic ultrasound, such as, for example, the use of phosphorus-32 and separately radiofrequency. “All of this represents new treatment options and options that we can offer patients,” concludes Dr. Julio Iglesias-Garcia.