Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is an abnormal growth of cells (tumor) in the pancreas that is cancerous (malignant). The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas makes hormones that help the body use and store energy that comes from food. The pancreas also makes pancreatic juices that help digest food.
Pancreatic cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The abdominal lymph nodes are the first place that may be affected by pancreatic cancer metastasis. Lymph nodes are part of the body 's disease-fighting system (immune system). If the cancer has reached the abdominal lymph nodes, this may be a sign that the cancer has metastasized into other tissues, such as other lymph …show more content…
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum.
Your health care provider may tell you the detailed stage of your cancer, which includes both a number and a letter.
TREATMENT
Depending on the type and stage of your pancreatic cancer, treatment may include:
• Surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas, or to remove a tumor.
• Radiation therapy. This is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy. This is the use of medicines to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Your health care provider may recommend a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in cancer (oncologist).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicines
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
General Instructions
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care
Pancreatic cancer is an abnormal growth of cells (tumor) in the pancreas that is cancerous (malignant). The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas makes hormones that help the body use and store energy that comes from food. The pancreas also makes pancreatic juices that help digest food.
Pancreatic cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The abdominal lymph nodes are the first place that may be affected by pancreatic cancer metastasis. Lymph nodes are part of the body 's disease-fighting system (immune system). If the cancer has reached the abdominal lymph nodes, this may be a sign that the cancer has metastasized into other tissues, such as other lymph …show more content…
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum.
Your health care provider may tell you the detailed stage of your cancer, which includes both a number and a letter.
TREATMENT
Depending on the type and stage of your pancreatic cancer, treatment may include:
• Surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas, or to remove a tumor.
• Radiation therapy. This is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy. This is the use of medicines to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Your health care provider may recommend a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in cancer (oncologist).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicines
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
General Instructions
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care