Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas, a gland located in the upper abdomen. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Pancreatic cancer is often called a silent killer because it does not show symptoms until it has advanced to a later stage. In most cases, the cancer has spread to other organs and is not curable. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, however certain factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. These include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, being overweight, having a family history of pancreatic cancer, and having certain genetic mutations. The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain, which is usually felt in the upper abdomen and can radiate to the back. Other symptoms may include jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes; dark urine; light-colored stools; weight loss; and changes in appetite. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually done with imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI, along with a biopsy of the pancreas tissue. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.