 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
||
![["What You Need To Know About (tm)" Logo]](GF-460-wyntkaTM.jpg)
|
 |
![[Item:]](GF-460-blue_bullet.gif){kind=small} IntroductionThe PancreasWhat Is Cancer?SymptomsDiagnosis and StagingTreatmentGetting a Second OpinionPreparing for TreatmentTreatment MethodsClinical TrialsSide Effects of TreatmentSurgeryRadiation TherapyChemotherapyBiological TherapyPain ControlNutrition for Cancer PatientsFollowup CareSupport for Cancer PatientsPossible Causes and PreventionOther BookletsNational Cancer Institute Information ResourcesDictionaryIntroduction
Each year, more than 26,000 people in the United States learn that they have cancer of the pancreas. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has written this booklet to help people with cancer of the pancreas and their families and friends. We hope others will read it as well to learn about this disease.
This booklet discusses symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also has information about resources and sources of support to help patients cope with cancer of the pancreas.
Words that may be new to readers appear in italics. Definition of these and other terms related to cancer of the pancreas can be found in the Dictionary. For some words, a "sounds-like" spelling is also given.
Researchers continue to look for better ways to diagnose and treat cancer of the pancreas. For up-to-date information or to order this publication, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS). The toll-free number is 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
The CIS staff uses a National Cancer Institute cancer information database called PDQ and other NCI
resources to answer callers' questions. The staff can mail information from PDQ and other NCI materials about cancer,
its treatment, and living with the disease (see Other Booklets).
The Pancreas
The pancreas is located in the abdomen. It is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs. The pancreas is about 6 inches long and is shaped like a long, flattened pear--wide at one end and narrow at the other. The wide part of the pancreas is called the head, the narrow end is the tail, and the middle section is called the body of the pancreas.
![[Diagram of the pancreas in the abdomen]](GF-460-panc1.gif)
The pancreas is a gland that has two main functions. It makes pancreatic juices, and it produces several hormones, including insulin.
Pancreatic juices contain proteins called enzymes that help digest food. The pancreas releases these juices, as they are needed, into a system of ducts. The main pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct from the liver and gallbladder. (The common bile duct carries bile, a fluid that helps digest fat.) Together these ducts form a short tube that empties into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
![[Diagram of the pancreas and the ducts that lead to other organs]](GF-460-panc2.gif)
Pancreatic hormones help the body use or store the energy that comes from food. For example, insulin
helps control the amount of sugar (a source of energy) in the blood. The pancreas releases insulin and other
hormones when they are needed. The hormones enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of many different diseases. Cancer occurs when cells divide without order and invade and destroy the tissue around them. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know about normal cells and about what happens when cells become cancerous.
The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. This orderly process helps keep the body healthy.
Sometimes cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, forming a mass of extra tissue called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
More than 100 different types of cancer are known--and several types of cancer can develop in the pancreas. Cancer of the pancreas is also called pancreatic cancer or carcinoma of the pancreas. Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts that carry pancreatic juices. A rare type of pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that produce insulin and other hormones. These cells are called islet cells, or the islets of Langerhans. Cancers that begin in these cells are called islet cell cancers. (This booklet focuses on cancer that begins in the pancreatic ducts. However, some of the information in this book also applies to islet cell cancers. In addition, the Cancer Information Service can supply more specific information about types of islet cell cancers and their treatment.)
As pancreatic cancer grows, the tumor may invade organs that surround the pancreas, such as the stomach
or small intestine. Pancreatic cancer cells also may break away from the tumor and spread to other parts of
the body. When pancreatic cancer cells spread, they often form new tumors in
lymph nodes and the liver, and sometimes in the lungs or bones. The new tumors have the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as
the primary (original) tumor in the pancreas. For example, if pancreatic cancer spreads to the liver, the cancer
cells in the liver are pancreatic cancer cells. The disease is metastatic pancreatic cancer; it is not liver cancer.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because it usually does not cause symptoms early on. The cancer may grow for some time before it causes pressure in the abdomen, pain, or other problems. When symptoms do appear, they may be so vague that they are ignored at first. For these reasons, pancreatic cancer is hard to find early. In many cases, the cancer has spread outside the pancreas by the time it is found.
When symptoms appear, they depend on the location and size of the tumor. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct so that bile cannot pass into the intestines, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow, and the urine may become dark. This condition is called jaundice.
As the cancer grows and spreads, pain often develops in the upper abdomen and sometimes spreads to the back. The pain may become worse after the person eats or lies down. Cancer of the pancreas can also cause nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and weakness.
Islet cell cancer can cause the pancreas to make too much insulin or other hormones. When this happens, the person may feel weak or dizzy and may have chills, muscle spasms, or diarrhea.
These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. Only a doctor can tell for sure.
Diagnosis and Staging
To find the cause of a person's symptoms, the doctor performs a physical exam and asks about the person's medical history. In addition to checking general signs of health, the doctor may perform blood, urine, and stool tests.
The doctor usually orders procedures that produce pictures of the pancreas and the area around it. Pictures can help the doctor diagnose cancer of the pancreas. They also can help the doctor determine the stage, or extent, of the disease by showing whether the cancer affects nearby organs. Pictures that show the location and extent of the cancer help the doctor decide how to treat it. Procedures to produce pictures of the pancreas and nearby organs may include:
The doctor can explain what is involved in each of these exams and what will be done to keep the patient comfortable.
Pictures of the pancreas and nearby organs provide important clues as to whether a person has cancer. However, doing a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to learn whether pancreatic cancer is present. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a tissue sample. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
There are several ways to do a biopsy to diagnose pancreatic cancer, and some people may need to have more than one type of biopsy. One way to remove tissue is called a needle biopsy. The doctor inserts a long needle through the skin of the abdomen into the pancreas. Ultrasonography or x-rays guide the placement of the needle. Another type of biopsy is a brush biopsy. This is done at the same time as ERCP. The doctor inserts a very small brush through the endoscope into the opening from the bile duct and main pancreatic duct to rub off cells to examine under a microscope.
Sometimes, the biopsy to diagnose pancreatic cancer is done during surgery. In one type of surgery, called laparoscopy, the doctor inserts a lighted instrument shaped like a thin tube into the abdomen through a small incision. In addition to removing tissue samples to be examined under the microscope, the doctor can see inside the abdomen to determine the location and extent of the disease. During the laparoscopy, the doctor can decide whether a larger operation called a laparotomy is needed to remove the tumor or to relieve symptoms caused by the cancer.
In some cases, a laparotomy is necessary to make a diagnosis. In this operation, the doctor makes a larger incision and directly examines the organs in the abdomen. If cancer is found, the doctor can go ahead with further surgery. (The types of surgery done to treat pancreatic cancer are described in the Treatment Methods section.)
A person who needs a biopsy may want to ask the doctor some of the following questions:
![[Blue Arrow to Top of Page]](GF-460-arrow.gif){kind=icon}
Treatment
Cancer of the pancreas is very hard to control. This disease can be cured only when it is found at an early stage, before it has spread. However, treatment can improve the quality of a person's life by controlling the symptoms and complications of this disease.
People with pancreatic cancer are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, the location and size of the tumor, the extent (stage) of the disease, the person's age and general health, and other factors. Cancer that begins in the pancreatic ducts may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Doctors sometimes use combinations of these treatments. Researchers are also studying biological therapy to see whether it can help when pancreatic cancer has spread to other parts of the body or has recurred. Islet cell cancer is usually treated with surgery or chemotherapy. Doctors may decide to use one method or a combination of treatment methods.
Some people take part in a clinical trial (research study) using new treatment methods. Such studies are designed to improve cancer treatment. Getting a Second Opinion
Before starting treatment, the patient may want a second pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and another specialist to review the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; many others will cover a second opinion if the patient requests it. There are a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion:
Preparing for Treatment
Many people with cancer want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may make if difficult for people to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions. To help remember what the doctor says, people may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some patients also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor--to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
Patients do not need to ask all their questions or remember all of the answers at one time. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things and to get more information.
These are some questions a patient may want to ask the doctor before treatment begins:
Treatment Methods
Surgery may be done to remove all or part of the pancreas and other nearby tissue. The type of surgery depends on the type of pancreatic cancer, the location of the tumor in the pancreas, the person's symptoms, whether the cancer involves other organs, and whether the cancer can be completely removed. In the Whipple procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, part of the stomach, and other nearby tissue. A total pancreatectomy is surgery to remove the entire pancreas as well as the duodenum, common bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and nearby lymph nodes.
Sometimes, the cancer cannot be completely removed. However, surgery can help to relieve symptoms that occur if the duodenum or bile duct is blocked. To relieve such symptoms, the surgeon creates a bypass around the blockage.
See the discussion about the side effects of surgery.
These are some questions a patient may want to ask the doctor before having surgery:
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing and dividing. Like surgery, radiation therapy is local therapy; the radiation can affect cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation to treat pancreatic cancer comes from a machine that aims the rays from radioactive material at a specific area of the body.
Doctors may use radiation therapy before surgery to shrink a tumor so that it is easier to remove or after surgery to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the area. Radiation also may be given alone or with chemotherapy to relieve pain or digestive problems if the tumor cannot be removed. In most cases, patients receive treatment as an outpatient in a hospital or clinic 5 days a week for several weeks. Read about the side effects of radiation therapy.
These are some questions a patient may want to ask the doctor before having radiation therapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given alone or along with radiation therapy to relieve symptoms of the disease if the cancer cannot be removed. When the cancer can be removed, doctors sometimes give chemotherapy after surgery to help control the growth of cancer cells that may remain in the body. The doctor may use one drug or a combination of drugs.
Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Most anticancer drugs are given by injection into a vein (IV); some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs flow through the body in the bloodstream.
Usually a person has chemotherapy as an outpatient (at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home). However, depending on which drugs are given and the person's general health, a short hospital stay may be needed. Read about the side effects of chemotherapy.
These are some questions patients may want to ask the doctor before starting chemotherapy:
Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy) is a form of treatment that uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight disease or to protect the body from treatment side effects. Researchers are testing several types of biological therapy, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. These treatments may be used when pancreatic cancer has spread to other organs or when it has recurred. People receiving biological therapy may need to stay in the hospital so that the side effects of their treatment can be watched. Read about the side effects of biological therapy.
These are some questions patients may want to ask the doctor before starting biological therapy:
Clinical Trials
Many people with pancreatic cancer take part in clinical trials. Doctors conduct clinical trials to learn about the effectiveness and side effects of new treatments. In some clinical trials, all patients receive the new treatment. In other trials, doctors compare different therapies by giving the new treatment to one group of patients and the standard therapy to another group.
People who take part in these studies have the first chance to benefit from treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an important contribution to medical science.
In clinical trials for pancreatic cancer, doctors are studying different ways of giving radiation therapy, aiming the rays at the cancer during surgery or implanting radioactive material in the abdomen,. They also are exploring new ways of giving chemotherapy, new drugs and drug combinations, biological therapy, and new ways of combining various types of treatment. Some trials are designed to study ways to reduce the side effects of treatment and to improve quality of life.
People interested in taking part in a trial should talk with their doctor. They may want to read the National Cancer Institute booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know, which explains the possible benefits and risks of treatment studies.
One way to learn about clinical trials is through PDQ, a computerized resource developed by the
National Cancer Institute. PDQ contains information about cancer treatment and about clinical trials in progress all
over the country. The Cancer Information Service can provide PDQ information to patients and the public.
Side Effects of Treatment
It is hard to limit the effects of therapy so that only cancer cells are removed or destroyed. Because treatment also damages healthy cells and tissues, it often causes unpleasant side effects.
The side effects of cancer treatment depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. Also, they may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one treatment to the next. Doctors monitor patients closely so they can help with any problems that occur. Doctors and nurses can explain the possible side effects of treatment and suggest ways to help relieve symptoms that may occur during and after treatment. Surgery
Surgery for cancer of the pancreas is a major operation. The side effects of surgery depend on the extent of the operation, the person's general health, and other factors. Although patients often have pain during the first few days after surgery, their pain can be controlled with medicine. People should feel free to discuss pain relief with the doctor or nurse. See more information about pain control.
It is also common for patients to feel tired or weak for a while. The length of time it takes to recover from an operation varies for each person.
During recovery from surgery, a patient's diet and weight are checked carefully. At first, patients may be fed only liquids and may be given extra nourishment by IV. Foods are added gradually.
When the entire pancreas is removed, and even sometimes when only part of the pancreas is removed, people with pancreatic cancer may not have enough pancreatic juices or hormones. When a patient does not have enough pancreatic juices, problems with digestion may occur. The doctor can suggest an appropriate diet and prescribe medicine to help relieve diarrhea or other problems such as pain, feelings of fullness, or cramping. See more information about nutrition for people with cancer. Patients who do not have enough pancreatic hormones may develop other problems. For example, those who do not have enough insulin may develop diabetes. The doctor can treat this problem by giving patients hormones to replace those no longer produced by the pancreas. Radiation Therapy
With radiation therapy, the side effects depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. During radiation therapy people are likely to become very tired, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Getting plenty of rest is important.
It is common to lose hair in the treated area and for the skin to become red, tender, and itchy. There may be permanent darkening or "bronzing" of the skin in the treated areas. This area should be exposed to the air as much as possible but protected from the sun, and it is important to avoid wearing clothes that rub. Patients will be shown how to take care of the treated area. Lotion or cream should not be used on the treated skin without the doctor's advice.
Radiation therapy to the pancreas and nearby tissues and organs may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or problems with digestion. Usually, the doctor can suggest certain diet changes or medicine to treat or control these problems. In most cases, side effects go away when treatment is over. The National Cancer Institute booklet Radiation Therapy and You has helpful information about radiation therapy and coping with its side effects. Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and the doses received. As with other types of treatment, side effects also vary from person to person. Generally, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly. These include blood cells, which fight infection, help the blood to clot, or carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected, people are more likely to get infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may have less energy. Cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result, people may lose their hair and may have other side effects such as poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth sores. Usually these side effects go away gradually during the recovery periods between treatments or after treatment is over. The National Cancer Institute booklets Chemotherapy and You and Helping Yourself During Chemotherapy have useful information about this form of treatment and about managing the side effects it can cause. Biological Therapy
The side effects caused by biological therapy vary with the type of treatment. These treatments may cause
flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. Patients also may bleed or bruise easily, get a rash, or have swelling. These problems can be severe, but
they usually go away after the treatment stops.
Pain Control
Pain is a common problem for people with pancreatic cancer, especially when the cancer grows outside the pancreas and presses against nerves and other organs. However, the doctor can usually relieve or reduce pain. It is important for patients to report their pain so the doctor can take steps to help relieve it.
There are several ways to control pain caused by pancreatic cancer. In most cases, the doctor prescribes medicine to control the pain. Sometimes a combination of pain medicines is needed. Medicines that relieve pain may make people drowsy and constipated, but resting and taking laxatives can help. In some cases, pain medicine is not enough. The doctor may use other treatments that affect nerves in the abdomen. For example, the doctor may inject alcohol into the area around certain nerves to block the feeling of pain. The injection can be done during surgery or by using a long needle inserted through the skin into the abdomen. This procedure rarely causes problems and usually provides pain relief. Sometimes, the doctor cuts nerves in the abdomen during surgery to block the feeling of pain. In addition, radiation therapy can help relieve pain by shrinking the tumor.
The Cancer Information Service can supply booklets called
Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families and
Get Relief From Cancer Pain. People with pancreatic cancer and their families may find these booklets helpful.
Nutrition for Cancer Patients
Eating well during cancer treatment means getting enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss and maintain strength. Eating well often helps people feel better and have more energy.
Some people with cancer find it hard to eat well. They may lose their appetite. In addition, common side effects of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores, can make eating difficult. Often, foods taste different. Also, people being treated for cancer may not feel like eating when they are uncomfortable or tired.
Cancer of the pancreas and its treatment may interfere with production of pancreatic enzymes and insulin. As a result, patients may have problems digesting food and maintaining the proper blood sugar level. They may need to take medicines to replace the enzymes and hormones normally produced by the pancreas. These medicines must be given in just the right amount for each patient. The doctor will watch the patient closely and adjust the doses or suggest diet changes when needed. Careful planning and checkups are important to help avoid nutrition problems leading to weight loss, weakness, and lack of energy.
Doctors, nurses, and dietitians can offer advice on how to eat well during cancer treatment. Patients and
their families also may want to read the National Cancer Institute booklet
Eating Hints for Cancer Patients, which contains many useful suggestions.
Followup Care
Regular followup exams are very important after treatment for pancreatic cancer. The doctor will continue to check the person closely so that, if the cancer returns or progresses, it can be treated. Checkups may include a physical exam; blood, urine, and stool tests; chest x-rays; and CT scans.
People taking medicine to replace pancreatic hormones or digestive juices need to see their doctor regularly
so that the dose can be adjusted if necessary. Also, it is important for the patient to let the doctor know about
pain or any changes or problems that occur.
Support for Cancer Patients
Living with a serious disease is not easy. People with cancer and those who care about them face many problems and challenges. Coping with these problems is often easier when people have helpful information and support services. Several useful booklets, including Taking Time, are available from the Cancer Information Service.
Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can talk with patients and their families about treatment, managing daily activities, and other concerns. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy also can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns.
Cancer patients and their families may want to know what the future holds. Sometimes they use statistics to try to predict what may happen. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because no two patients are alike; treatments and responses vary greatly. The doctor who takes care of the patient is in the best position to talk about the person's outlook (prognosis).
Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, many people find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others who have cancer. People with cancer often get together in support groups, where they can share what they have learned about coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. It is important to keep in mind, however, that each patient is different. Treatment and ways of dealing with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another--even if they both have the same kind of cancer. It is always a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and family members with the doctor.
Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest groups that provide emotional support or that help with rehabilitation, financial aid, transportation, or home care. For example, the American Cancer Society has many services for patients and their families. Local offices of the American Cancer Society are listed in the white pages of the telephone directory.
The Cancer Information Service also can supply information about pancreatic cancer and about programs
and services for patients and their families.
Possible Causes and Prevention
Scientists across the country are studying pancreatic cancer and trying to learn what causes this disease. The more they can find out about the cause of this disease, the better the chance of finding ways to prevent it.
At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes cancer of the pancreas, and they can seldom explain why one person gets this disease and another does not. However, it is clear that pancreatic cancer is not contagious; no one can "catch" this disease from another person.
Scientists have learned that some things increase a person's chance of getting this disease. As with most other types of cancer, studies show that the risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. This disease rarely occurs before age 40; the average age at diagnosis is about 70.
Research also shows that smoking is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including cancer of the pancreas. Cigarette smokers develop this disease two to three times more often than nonsmokers. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of pancreatic, lung, and certain other cancers, as well as a number of other diseases.
Having diabetes is another risk factor for pancreatic cancer. People who have diabetes develop pancreatic cancer about twice as often as people who do not have diabetes.
Research suggests that a person's diet may affect the chances of getting some types of cancer. In several studies, the risk of pancreatic cancer was higher among people whose diet was high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables. Although the possible link between diet and cancer of the pancreas is still under study, some scientists believe that choosing a low-fat diet and eating well-balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables may lower a person's risk.
Some studies suggest that occupational exposure to petroleum and certain chemicals may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. These possible links have not been proven, but workers should follow safety rules provided by their employers.
People who think they may be at risk for pancreatic cancer should discuss this concern with their doctor.
The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can suggest an appropriate schedule of checkups.
Other Booklets
The National Cancer Institute booklets listed below and others are available from the Cancer Information Service by calling 1-800-4-CANCER. Booklets About Cancer Treatment
Booklets About Living With Cancer
National Cancer Institute Information Resources You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your health care provider. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.
Dictionary
abdomen (AB-do-men): The part of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. angiography (an-jee-AH-gra-fee): A procedure to x-ray blood vessels. The blood vessels can be seen because of an injection of a dye that shows up in the x-ray pictures. barium solution: A liquid containing barium sulfate that is used in x-rays to highlight parts of the digestive system. benign (beh-NINE): Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. bile: A fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the small intestine where it helps digest fat. biological therapy (by-o-LAHJ-i-kul): Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. biopsy (BY-ahp-see): The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire tumor or lesion is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration. bypass: A surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of body fluids. cancer: A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. carcinoma (kar-sin-O-ma): Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. chemotherapy (kee-mo-THER-a-pee): Treatment with anticancer drugs. clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. common bile duct: Carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). CT scan: Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. diabetes (dye-a-BEE-teez): A disease in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. As a result, the level of sugar in the blood is too high. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. digestive system (dye-JES-tiv): The organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy. Waste products the body cannot use leave the body through bowel movements. The digestive system includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and rectum. duct (dukt): A tube through which body fluids pass. duodenum (doo-o-DEE-num): The first part of the small intestine. endocrinologist (en-do-krih-NAH-lo-jist): A doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone disorders. enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (en-do-SKAH-pik RET-ro-grade ko-LAN-jee-o-PAN-kree-a-TAW-gra-fee). A procedure to x-ray the bile and pancreatic ducts. In this procedure, a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth and down into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A smaller tube (catheter) is then inserted through the endoscope into the bile and pancreatic ducts. A dye is injected through the catheter into the ducts, and an x-ray is taken. gallbladder (GAWL-blad-er): The pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder. gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. hormones: Chemicals produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs. immune system (im-YOON): The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infection or disease. incision (in-SIH-zhun): A cut made in the body during surgery. insulin (IN-su-lin): A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy. islet cell cancer (EYE-let): Cancer arising from cells in the islets of Langerhans, which are found in the pancreas. islets of Langerhans (EYE-lets of LANG-er-hanz): Cells in the pancreas that produce hormones (including insulin). IV: Intravenous (in-tra-VEE-nus). Injected into a blood vessel. jaundice (JAWN-dis): A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and stool becomes clay colored. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked. laparoscopy (lap-a-RAHS-ko-pee): The insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal wall to inspect the inside of the abdomen and remove tissue samples. laparotomy (lap-a-RAH-toe-mee): A surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen. liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. local therapy: Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it. lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik): The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. malignant (ma-LIG-nant): Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. medical oncologist (on-KOL-o-jist): A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy. A medical oncologist often serves as the main caretaker of someone who has cancer and coordinates treatment provided by other specialists. metastasis (meh-TAS-ta-sis): The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases. MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (mag-NET-ik REZ-o- nans IM-a-jing). A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). pancreas: A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs. pancreatectomy (pan-kree-a-TEK-toe- mee): Surgery to remove the pancreas. In a total pancreatectomy, a portion of the stomach, the duodenum, common bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and nearby lymph nodes also are removed. pancreatic juices: Fluids made by the pancreas. Pancreatic juices contain proteins called enzymes that aid in digestion. pathologist (pa-THOL-o-jist): A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. prognosis (prog-NO-sis): The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence. PTC: Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (per-kyoo-TAN-ee-us trans-heh-PAT-ik ko-LAN-jee-AH-gra-fee). A procedure to x-ray the bile ducts. In this procedure, a dye is injected through a thin needle inserted through the skin into the liver or the gallbladder, and an x-ray picture is taken. radiation oncologist (ray-dee-AY-shun on-KOL-o-jist): A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. radiation therapy (ray-dee-AY-shun): The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy. recur: To occur again. Recurrence is the return of cancer, at the same site as the original (primary) tumor or in another location, after the tumor had disappeared. risk factor: A habit, trait, condition, or genetic alteration that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. side effects: Problems that occurHT="3" ALIGN="TOP" BORDER="0">
|
||||||||||||||||||||
![[National Cancer Institute Logo]](GF-460-ncilogo_nobar.gif)
![[Shaded Blue Bar]](GF-460-blue_heading_bar.gif){kind=small}
![[Blue Underline]](GF-460-blue_line.gif){kind=small}
![[Picture of Telephone]](GF-460-phone.gif){kind=small}
Telephone
![[Picture of Personal Computer]](GF-460-internet.gif){kind=small}
Internet![[Picture of Envelopes]](GF-460-email.gif){kind=small}
E-mail
![[Picture of FAX Machine]](GF-460-fax.gif){kind=small}
Fax
![[Back Arrow]](GF-460-back_button.gif){kind=small}
![[NCI Logo]](GF-460-nci_bott.gif)