digestive disorders
Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Surgery Chemotherapy or combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoradiation) Pain relievers The only hope of a cure is surgery, but surgery can be done only in people whose cancer has not spread. However, in most people, the tumor has already spread at the time of diagnosis. With surgery, either the pancreas and some of the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) or just parts of the pancreas are removed. Chemotherapy or chemoradiation may be given before surgery. Obstruction of bile flow may be temporarily relieved by placement of a tube (stent) in the lower portion of the duct that drains bile from the liver and gallbladder. An alternative treatment method is the surgical creation of a channel that bypasses the obstruction. For example, an obstruction of the small intestine can be bypassed by a channel that connects the stomach with a portion of the small intestine that is beyond the obstruction. If these procedures do not relieve itchiness, people may be givencholestyramineby mouth. Mild pain may be relieved byaspirinoracetaminophen. Most often, stronger painkillers, such ascodeine,oxycodone, ormorphine, are needed. For people with severe pain, injections into nerves to block pain sensations provide relief. The lack of pancreatic digestive enzymes can be treated with oral enzyme preparations. If diabetes develops,insulintreatment may be needed. Because adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is fatal in most cases, a doctor usually discusses end-of-life care with the person, family members, and other health care professionals (see Treatment Options at the End of Life ). 