Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms And Treatment For Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are frequently non-specific, variable and may be representative of a number of possibilities besides pancreatic cancer. To demonstrate this point, the diarrhea can be related to a pancreatic mass, chronic pancreatitis and some rare tumors of the pancreas. Signs often include experiencing a loss of energy, tiredness, weight loss, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Other signs, which are typical of pancreatic cancer, are itching, unexplained blood clots, dark urine, indigestion, pale bowel actions and jaundice.

The main pancreatic cancer symptom, if the tumor is advanced at the time of diagnosis, is pain. This can be experienced in the middle of the back or in the top abdominal area.

Pancreatic Cancer symptoms can include pancreatic insufficiency, although this can also be a side effect following surgery, when all or part of the pancreas is removed. The pancreas doesn't secrete enough of the enzymes needed for normal digestion causing gas and bloating. Pancreatic insufficiency usually results from damage to the pancreas. Other causes include chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis in children. We will look at treatment for chronic pancreatitis in a moment.

Acute pancreatic insufficiency impairs the intestines ability to absorb nutrients. This can lead to a lack in essential nutrients. Also, reduced absorption of fat leads to more fat in the stools. Signs of pancreatic insufficiency include pallid, large, foul-smelling stools, diarrhea and weight loss. When possible, treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the pancreatic damage and may include supplemental vitamins, a low fat diet and pancreatic enzymes.

Another pancreatic cancer symptom is when diabetes is onset by pancreatic failure. Weight loss, lethargy, thirst, blurred vision; increased volumes of urine and drowsiness generally characterize it. Diabetes may already be present in a number of patients prior to developing the cancer or become apparent soon after it is diagnosed or following surgery.

All over the pancreas are groups of cells called the islets of Langerhans. Research experiments have developed a procedure called islet transplantation. Pancreatic islet cells are taken from the pancreas of a deceased organ donor. The pancreatic islet cells are purified, processed, and put into another person. Once implanted, the beta cells in these islets begin to make insulin. It is hoped that pancreatic islet cell transplantation will help people with type1 diabetes live without needing to inject insulin.

Most of this article has been taken up with pancreatic cancer symptoms but I would like, as mentioned earlier, to take a look at treatment for chronic pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which does not resolve itself. It is usually caused by many years of alcohol abuse. As chronic pancreatitis progresses, individuals may develop malnutrition, weight loss and insulin-dependent diabetes. Transplanting pancreatic islet cells is a treatment option here for the diabetes. Most treatment for chronic pancreatitis centers on managing pain and nutritional support. Enzyme supplements are used to aid in the digestion of food. Surgery may be recommended to aid drainage of pancreatic secretions, relieve abdominal pain and reduce the incidence of attacks. A low fat diet will be recommended as will abstinence from the drinking of alcohol.