Why Is Pancreatic Cancer Usually Found In The Later Stages? A Review By Doctors

Pancreatic Cancer image

Expert opinion from Shobha S Reddy

MBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience · India

Pancreatic Cancer arises in cells of the pancreas, an organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas secretes enzymes that help in digestion and hormones that regulate the metabolism of blood sugar. The most common cancer is pancreatic adenocarcinoma that accounts for 90% of cases and arises from a part of the pancreas that makes digestive enzymes. 1 – 2% cases of pancreatic cancer are neuroendocrine tumors that arise from hormone-producing cells of the pancreas which are generally less aggressive. Symptoms I crude jaundice, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, grey-colored stool, loss of appetite. Usually, no symptoms are seen in the early stages, and symptoms that are specific enough to suggest pancreatic cancer typically do not develop until the disease has reached an advanced stage. By the time of diagnosis, pancreatic cancer has often spread to other parts of the body.

→ Learn more about pancreatic cancer: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Expert opinion from Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

Pancreatic cancer is usually not found until advanced stages because it takes long for symptoms to appear. Thus, it is important to know that patients with this condition frequently suffer from abdominal pain; yellow pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes; often feel bloated particularly after they eat; lose a lot of weight; and become very fragile.

Expert opinion from Saria Mahveen Shareef

MBBS, PGDCC, Spl Cardiology · 6 years of experience · India

These tumours involve local structures and metastasize to regional lymph nodes at an early stage. The majority of patients have advanced disease at the time of presentation. Most of the tumours are locally advanced at the time of diagnosis. Overall survival is only 3-5%.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.