What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

If you need care for pancreatic cancer in the Margate, FL area, look no further than Dr. Vladimir Donchev, an experienced Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgeon. Dr. Donchev is committed to providing patient-friendly and comprehensive information so that you can understand your condition and available treatment options.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the body's pancreas. The pancreas is the organ responsible for manufacturing hormones such as insulin while also helping to digest the food you eat. 

What happens is that unnecessary new or old cells no longer needed in the pancreas grow and form a tumor. The tumor these abnormal cells form will be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous and harmful). It is important to note that a previously benign tumor in the pancreas may become cancerous and should still be screened carefully and regularly or removed, depending on the size and the recommendation of your surgeon and primary health provider. 

There are three main types of pancreatic cancer.

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer, which is also known as pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Endocrine pancreatic cancer, which is much rarer and has several sub-variations
• Ampullary cancer, which is when cancer starts in the ampulla of the Vater, where the bile and pancreatic ducts meet, emptying into the small intestine.

Treating Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer patients in the Margate, FL, area should know that each type of pancreatic cancer may present differently. Therefore, consulting with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Donchev is vital so your cancer can be accurately staged, diagnosed, and treated. 

Your treatment plan will always be tailored to suit the cancer you are suffering from so that it is as effective as possible while trying to limit the side effects. The standard treatments are chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Unfortunately, the pancreas is an organ situated deep within the body, so it is not usually possible to feel a tumor by touch alone. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer uses a combination of different types of scans, such as a CT scan and/or an MRI combined with a biopsy, so a pathologist can check a tissue sample to help confirm a diagnosis. There is no absolute standard testing protocol for pancreatic cancer. 

Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Pancreatitis
• Jaundice
• Sudden onset diabetes
• Blood clots and fluid in the abdomen in more advanced cases

Contact Us

If you have concerns about pancreatic cancer in the Margate, FL, area, you need to move quickly. Contact. Dr. Donchev and his team today to make an appointment for a consultation at (754) 220-8100.