Compared with the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys, the pancreas seems to have no sense of existence, and many people may not even know where it is.
But the pancreas, which is usually silent, is prone to big problems as soon as there is a problem. Many people feel unwell, and the first examination is pancreatic cancer is advanced, which catches people off guard.
At the age of 38, he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer
38-year-old Mr. Zhang (pseudonym) regularly participates in physical examinations every year, loves sports, and has always been in good health.
Two months ago, he often had persistent abdominal pain and bloating after meals, thinking it was indigestion, so he didn't pay much attention to it. After one month, his family found that his skin and eyes were a little yellow, and he seemed to have lost a lot of weight, so they advised him to go to the hospital for a check-up.
Mr. Zhang came to Hangzhou Xixi Hospital for treatment, and was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, extensive liver metastasis, and obstructive jaundice.
"I participated in the Half Marathon three months ago, and I usually exercise, and my health is quite good, how can I get pancreatic cancer?" Mr. Zhang and his family couldn't figure out.
Yu Jixian, chief physician of the Department of Oncology, explained that the onset of pancreatic cancer is very insidious, and it is basically difficult to detect in the early stage. Although Mr. Zhang usually exercises, he smokes for a long time, often stays up late, and eats a high-fat diet, which may cause him to be targeted due to his bad habits.
Because it was found at an advanced stage, there was no chance of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so doctors could only take symptomatic supportive treatment to minimize the pain and prolong life.
It's called the "king of cancer."
The pancreas is located about the lower part of the stomach, is not large, and its main role is to assist digestion and metabolism, and can secrete various digestive enzymes. It is also produced here that insulin is essential for balancing blood sugar.
Director Yu pointed out that pancreatic cancer is the "king of cancers" for three reasons:
(1) its morbidity and mortality are almost the same;
(2) The survival time of most of its patients is only about one year;
(3) Its onset is very insidious, and once found, it is mostly in the middle and late stages.
Therefore, it is important to find insidious symptoms!
Be careful! The following symptoms should be of particular concern
Abdominal discomfort or abdominal pain: This is a common presenting symptom. Most patients with pancreatic cancer only present with epigastric discomfort or dull pain, dull pain and swelling pain, which can be easily confused with the symptoms of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases. If there is also obstruction of the outlet of pancreatic juice, pain or discomfort may worsen after eating. Invasion of the celiac plexus by mid-to-advanced tumors can cause persistent, severe abdominal pain.
Wasting and fatigue: 80%~90% of pancreatic cancer patients have emaciation, fatigue and weight loss in the early stage of the disease, which is related to lack of appetite, anxiety and tumor consumption.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: When the tumor blocks the lower end of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct, bile and pancreatic fluid cannot enter the duodenum, and dyspepsia symptoms often occur. Exocrine damage to the pancreas may lead to diarrhea. Advanced pancreatic cancer invades the duodenum and can cause gastrointestinal obstruction or bleeding.
Jaundice: associated with biliary outlet obstruction, it is the most important clinical manifestation of pancreatic head cancer, and may be accompanied by itchy skin, dark brown urine, and clay-like stools.
Other symptoms: some patients may have persistent or intermittent low-grade fever and usually no biliary tract infection. Some patients may also have abnormal blood glucose.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
The cause of pancreatic cancer is not fully understood. Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of pancreatic cancer is related to a variety of risk factors.
Non-hereditary risk factors: long-term smoking, high-fat diet, excess body mass index, chronic pancreatitis, or concomitant diabetes are possible non-hereditary risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Hereditary risk factors: Familial inheritance is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, with about 10% of pancreatic cancer cases running in families.
Currently, the genetic basis of these genetic predispositions is not well understood, and up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients have no known genetic cause.
Prevention! Change bad habits
Director Yu pointed out that with the increasing incidence of pancreatic cancer, many people are afraid of being "favored" by pancreatic cancer. As long as we have the right mindset and take the right measures, we can play a preventive role.
Do not eat a lot of high-fat, high-protein, and high-sugar foods for a long time.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and pay attention to maintaining the intake of whole grains such as cereals, beans, and sweet potatoes in your daily diet.
Maintain a regular eating pattern.
Quit smoking and drinking.
Actively prevent and treat diseases related to pancreatic cancer, such as chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones, diabetes, etc., and advocate regular physical examinations.
Strengthen physical activity, enhance physical fitness, avoid overweight and obesity, and maintain a good mood.
Source: Hangzhou Daily Comprehensive Health Hangzhou