Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Cost

Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, a vital organ situated behind the stomach. In India the expenses for treating cancer typically vary between Rs. 5 to 20 Lakh, depending on the cancer stage and required treatment method. Detecting pancreatic cancer early is rare which complicates disease management. Given its characteristics and frequent diagnosis at different stages pancreatic cancer poses challenges in both treatment and care.

Delve into this blog to delve deeper into this form of cancer, covering the signs, causes and pancreatic cancer treatment cost in India.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer emerges in the pancreas tissues an organ essential for digestion and blood sugar control. Because of the symptoms, it frequently remains unnoticed until the later stages. The prevalent form is ductal adenocarcinoma originating in digestive enzyme carrying ducts.

Recognising the types of pancreatic cancer is crucial, for accurate diagnosis and treatment strategy development since each kind may necessitate a tailored approach based on its properties and behaviour.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is primarily divided into two categories-

1. Exocrine Tumours

These tumours represent the form of pancreatic cancer and frequently involve pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cancer originates, in the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce enzymes for food digestion. A specific type of exocrine tumour called adenocarcinoma develops from the cells lining the ducts. These tumours can be aggressive. and are often detected at a later stage posing challenges for treatment.

2. Neuroendocrine tumours

They can be categorised as functioning or non-functioning based on their hormone production. Functioning neuroendocrine tumors may cause symptoms due to hormone overproduction while non-functioning ones do not significantly produce hormones. Though rare compared to exocrine tumours, neuroendocrine tumours require proper management due to their characteristics and behavior.

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Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are uncommon and may manifest late in some individuals. Recognising these symptoms is crucial for cancer detection and improved treatment outcomes.

• Abdominal Pain Radiating to Back: Pain in the abdomen spreading to the back could indicate pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal issues.
• Loss of Appetite and Unintentional Weight Loss: Reduced appetite and unintended weight loss could indicate health problems.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes may suggest liver or bile duct issues associated with cancer. When the skin and eyes turn yellow because of liver problems it's often due to liver disease or a blockage in the bile duct.
• If your stools are light colored like clay it could be a sign of issues with bile flow or liver function.
• Dark urine may indicate high levels of bilirubin linked to liver or bile duct problems.
• Persistent itching can be a result of liver disease or a blockage in the bile duct.
• Abnormal blood clot formation, which poses health risks can be caused by clotting disorders or underlying conditions.

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Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer doesn't have a cause. Certain risk factors have been identified including smoking, family history of the disease, genetic mutations, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and obesity. As this cancer progresses complications may arise such as weight loss due to problems, jaundice from blockage in the bile ducts, pain from tumour pressure on nerves, bowel obstruction if the tumour presses on the small intestine and new or worsening diabetes.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer early is crucial but challenging and may involve imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs, blood tests for tumour markers, biopsies for examination, and genetic testing for hereditary links.

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Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

The way pancreatic cancer is treated depends on its stage and where its located. Let's talk about the treatment options:

• Surgery: Surgeons consider removing the head of the pancreas, part of the intestine, gallbladder and bile duct if the cancer hasn't spread beyond the pancreas. This intricate procedure aims to eliminate the tumour and nearby tissues.
• Chemotherapy: In cancer treatment, medications are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Its often given before or after surgery or when surgery isn't an option.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer uses high-energy rays to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy as part of the treatment plan.
• Targeted Therapy: Specific drugs target and attack cancer cells without harming ones in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer. These treatments focus on mutations or unique features of the cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: The immune system is boosted to detect and fight off cancer cells in immunotherapy for cancer. It can be used alone or, alongside treatments to combat the disease 

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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The pancreatic cancer treatment cost varies depending on stages:

• Surgery (Rs. 3-10 lakh): This includes hospital charges and expenses which differ based on the complexity of procedures like organ or tumour removal.
• Chemotherapy (Rs. 50,000 - 1.5 lakh per cycle): The prices for chemotherapy treatments are determined by factors such, as the type of medication, dosage and number of cycles required; these costs are often covered by health insurance plans.
• Radiation Therapy (Rs. 1-3 lakh): This treatment involves targeting cancer cells with high energy beams; costs vary based on the number of sessions needed and facility charges.
• Targeted Therapy (Rs. 2-5 Lakh): Drugs that target certain cancer cells are used; treatment costs vary according to drug efficacy and length of treatment.

How can a Personal Loan Assist with Your Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

Personal Loans from Hero FinCorp can provide instant financial support for covering pancreatic cancer treatment cost. They can offer instant loan amount of up to Rs 5 Lakh without collateral flexible repayment tenures.

Here are the steps to apply for a Personal Loan online:

Step 1- Visit Hero FinCorp website or Install the Hero Fincorp Instant Personal Loan App from the Play Store

Step 2- Choose the loan amount and preferred EMI

Step 3- Enter the required details

Step 4- Complete your KYC process

Step 5- Input your bank account details

Step 6- Get real-time approval of the loan

Step 7- Digitally sign e-Mandate and loan agreement

Step 8- Receive the loan amount in your account within 48 hours

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Conclusion

Thorough treatment is essential for pancreatic cancer. It is crucial to recognise the symptoms, causes and treatment choices to effectively manage the illness. Explore the option of a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp for hassle financial support, for cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pancreatic cancer be fully cured?

Early-stage pancreatic cancer can be curable with complete surgical removal.

Can I live without a pancreas?

Yes, but it requires lifelong management of diabetes and enzyme supplements.

Does pancreatic cancer spread fast?

Yes, pancreatic cancer tends to spread rapidly.

Is pancreatic cancer painful?

Pain is a common symptom, especially in advanced stages.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader's discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.