Pancreatic Cancer (cont.)
How is cancer of the pancreas treated?
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on a number of factors.
Among these are the type, size, and extent of the tumor as well
as the
patient's age and general health. A treatment plan is tailored
to fit each
patient's needs.
Treatment Methods
Cancer of the pancreas is curable only when it is found in its
earliest stages, before it has spread. Otherwise, it is very
difficult to
cure. However, it can be treated, symptoms can be relieved, and
the
quality of the patient's life can be improved.
Pancreatic cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy,
or
chemotherapy. Researchers are also studying biological therapy
to see
whether it can be helpful in treating this disease. Sometimes
several
methods are used, and the patient is referred to doctors who
specialize in
different kinds of cancer treatment.
Surgery may be done to remove all or part of the pancreas.
Sometimes it is also necessary to remove a portion of the
stomach, the
duodenum, and other nearby tissues. This operation is called a
Whipple
procedure. In cases where the cancer in the pancreas cannot be
removed,
the surgeon may be able to create a bypass around the common
bile duct or
the duodenum if either is blocked.
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-powered
rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing.
Radiation is
usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks. This schedule
helps to
protect normal tissue by spreading out the total dose of
radiation. The
patient doesn't need to stay in the hospital for radiation
therapy.
Radiation is also being studied as a way to kill cancer cells
that remain in the area after surgery. In addition, radiation
therapy can
help relieve pain or digestive problems when the common bile
duct or
duodenum is blocked.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The doctor may
use
just one drug or a combination. Chemotherapy may be given by
mouth or by
injection into a muscle or vein. The drugs enter the
bloodstream and
travel through the body. Chemotherapy is usually given in
cycles; a
treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another
treatment
period, and so on.
Next: What are the side effects of treatment for
cancer of the pancreas? »
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