What does the third Thursday of November remind of? world pancreatic cancer day, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of this organ and its care. According to the World Pancreas Cancer Alliance, pancreas cancer is that lowest survival rate, because out of every 1,006 people who suffer from this disease, 985 die from it. The difficulty in fighting this cancer lies in the fact that it is usually detected at a very advanced stage.
Despite the gloom of this scenario, progress has been made Cancer screening tests have changed the paradigm in pancreatic cancer diagnosis, One of these new advances in detection technology is endoscopic ultrasound, This technology improves the survival prognosis of patients in whom pancreatic cancer is detected at an early stage.
According to information sent to NotiPress by Houston Methodist Hospital, there is no standard for detecting this disease in the general population, however, the American Gastroenterology Association recommends it. Regular monitoring in people with a strong family history of cancer or genetic conditions, Therefore, given the history and genetic predisposition, the doctor may order blood tests or a detailed evaluation by a gastrointestinal specialist.
The most commonly required tests by these experts are MRI and endoscopic ultrasound, The first involves analysis of images focused on observation of the pancreas and other organs. On the other hand, to perform endoscopic ultrasound, a small camera is inserted which passes through the mouth and reaches the stomach. which gives you Images of pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, If necessary, an ultrasound-guided biopsy or tissue sample can be obtained during the procedure. It lasts for approx. 15 and 30 minutes and allows detection of small pancreatic tumors that are not visible by MRI.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, pancreatic cancer has the third highest mortality rate in men at 10.6%. Given its aggressiveness, both organizations and institutions such as Houston Methodist Hospital consider it highly relevant. Know the risk factors of this disease. which are mentioned Chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, family history, inherited genetic alterations, obesity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and pancreatic cysts,
Although Houston Methodist Hospital cautions that pancreatic cancer does not cause symptoms when it has already spread to other organs, it recommends paying attention to certain conditions and comorbidities. Such as Blood clots in the body, dark colored urine, fatigue, itching in the skin, light colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting., As well as pain in the stomach that spreads to the back, yellowing of the skin and eyes and complications in other diseases like diabetes.