Understanding Your Pancreas and Its Role
The pancreas is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces enzymes that aid in breaking down food, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon to help maintain blood sugar balance. However, conditions such as pancreatitis, benign tumors, and malignant tumors can disrupt its function, potentially leading to serious health complications.
At Liv Hospital, we utilize the latest medical innovations to diagnose and treat pancreatic diseases, offering personalized solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This article presents essential information on how to safeguard your pancreatic health.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, categorized into two main types: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term). Both forms can disrupt enzyme and hormone production, potentially leading to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Acute Pancreatitis
This condition develops suddenly and is most often caused by gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, or blockages in the pancreatic ducts. Common symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever (occasionally present)
In severe cases, damage to pancreatic tissue (necrosis) may occur.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can cause lasting damage to the pancreas. The most common causes are long-term alcohol use, genetic predisposition, and certain metabolic disorders. Over time, this condition may lead to:
• Digestive problems
• Higher risk of developing diabetes
Treatment Options
At Liv Hospital, the treatment of pancreatitis is carried out using a multidisciplinary approach:
• Acute pancreatitis may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and pain management. In severe cases, intubation, admission to the intensive care unit, and repeated surgical interventions may become necessary. The severe form is also associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.
• Chronic pancreatitis involves dietary modifications, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and, when necessary, surgical intervention.
Benign Pancreatic Tumors
Some pancreatic tumors are non-cancerous (benign), but they can still cause symptoms depending on their size and location. At Liv Hospital, advanced imaging techniques enable us to accurately diagnose these tumors and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Common Benign Tumors:
- Serous cystadenomas: Fluid-filled cysts that are typically harmless and most often found in women.
- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs): Growths in the pancreatic ducts that may become cancerous.
- Mucinous cystadenomas: Rare lesions that may need surgical removal because they have the potential to become cancerous.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
MRI, CT scans, and endoscopic ultrasound are commonly used for diagnosis. Small, asymptomatic tumors are regularly monitored, while larger or higher-risk tumors may require surgical removal.
Malignant Pancreatic Tumors
Pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is among the most aggressive and deadly types of cancer. Symptoms usually develop in the later stages, making early diagnosis vital.
Symptoms:
- Persistent abdominal pain or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea) and digestive problems
- New-onset diabetes
Risk Factors:
Significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, advanced age, and a family history of pancreatic disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at Liv Hospital
Surgery
Surgery is the only treatment with curative intent for pancreatic cancer. However, neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have also been shown to improve the likelihood of tumor resectability and overall survival.
It is known that 7 out of 10 people with pancreatic cancer do not receive any active treatment. Only 1 in 10 undergo potentially curative surgery, while 2 in 10 receive only chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains poor, at approximately 13%.
In operable early-stage cases, the Whipple procedure can be performed for tumors in the head of the pancreas, while a distal pancreatectomy is recommended for cancers in the body and tail. In rare cases, a total pancreatectomy — which involves removal of the entire pancreas — may be necessary.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to slow tumor growth and alleviate symptoms in advanced stages of the disease.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have shown promising results in clinical trials.
Supportive Care
Palliative treatments are designed to enhance the quality of life for patients in the late stages of illness.
Why Choose Liv Hospital for Pancreatic Care?
Liv Hospital combines cutting-edge medical technology with personalized treatment plans to deliver exceptional care for pancreatic diseases. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists, surgeons, and oncologists collaborate closely to ensure accurate diagnoses and the most effective treatments for every patient.
*This content was prepared with contributions from the Liv Hospital Editorial Board.* The information on this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. This page does not provide information about medicinal health care services at Liv Hospital.
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