What are the most dangerous stages of pancreatic cancer? And what treatment methods are used? You will find the answer and other important information in this article.
Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most dangerous types of cancer due to its rapid growth and spread. In this article, we will answer the question: What are the most dangerous stages of pancreatic cancer? We will also provide other important details, so keep reading:
What are the most dangerous stages of pancreatic cancer?
Stage IV of pancreatic cancer is the most dangerous of all its stages and is also called the final stage of pancreatic cancer. In this stage, the cancer has spread to organs far from the pancreas, such as the liver, lungs, brain, bones, and abdominal cavity. It has also spread to organs and tissues surrounding the pancreas and may reach the lymph nodes.
Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at this late stage. Symptoms of Stage IV pancreatic cancer include:
Severe pain in the upper abdomen.
Extreme fatigue.
Jaundice.
Loss of appetite.
Severe back pain.
Unexplained weight loss.
Depression. Diagnostic Methods for the Most Dangerous Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
Having provided a sufficient answer to the question: What are the most dangerous stages of pancreatic cancer?, it is helpful to discuss the methods used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. The tests used to diagnose and stage pancreatic cancer include the following:
Clinical Examination
Here, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and look for signs of pancreatic cancer, such as jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes) and swelling of the liver or gallbladder.
Imaging Tests
These tests are performed to determine the extent of pancreatic cancer in the body and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment used. These tests include the following:
Ultrasound Imaging
This uses sound waves to create a clear image of the pancreas. It is one of the tests performed initially because it is easy to perform and safe, as it does not expose the patient to radiation.
There are two types of ultrasound imaging:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Endoscopic Ultrasound, which is more accurate than the previous type.
Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This is one of the most commonly used tests. It provides a detailed image of the pancreas and helps determine if the cancer has spread to nearby organs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This uses radio waves to create a detailed image of the pancreas and is helpful in diagnosing pancreatic cancer.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This test examines the pancreatic ducts and the bile ducts to check for blockages, dilation, or narrowing.
It helps determine if a cancerous tumor is obstructing one of these ducts and aids in surgical planning.
Angiography: This uses X-rays to visualize the blood vessels inside the bloodstream. It helps identify any blockages in blood flow caused by a cancerous tumor in a specific area and helps determine if pancreatic cancer has spread to the blood vessels. Pancreatic Biopsy
Sometimes, a pancreatic biopsy is necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Blood Tests
These include:
Liver Function Test
Tumor Markers
Complications of Pancreatic Cancer
After answering the question, "What are the most dangerous stages of pancreatic cancer?", we will now mention several complications that may appear as the disease progresses, such as:
Weight loss due to persistent vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Jaundice due to obstruction of the bile ducts in the liver.
Pain resulting from tumor spread and pressure on nerves in the abdominal area.
Intestinal obstruction due to tumor spread to the small intestine.
Is treatment possible in advanced stages?
Cancer cannot be surgically removed at this stage. This is because it has spread to multiple parts of the body. However, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment methods include:
1. Chemotherapy: Pancreatic cancer in stage IV is usually treated by enrolling patients in clinical trials of chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer.
2. Palliative Treatments: These are methods that greatly help in relieving pain for pancreatic cancer patients. Palliative care focuses on improving the patient's quality of life.
3. Other Treatment Methods: These include gastric bypass surgery, bile duct stenting, and bile duct diversion surgery.
The five-year survival rate for stage IV pancreatic cancer is estimated at approximately 3%.