The pancreas is that part of the body which helps in the digestion process by releasing enzymes, and it also releases some hormones which assist in the management of blood sugar levels. The type of cancer that affects the tissues of the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. This cancer spreads to the nearby organs rapidly, and it is difficult to diagnose this condition in its initial stages. However, it is possible to diagnose this condition if a patient has diabetes along with weight loss, jaundice or pain in the stomach and back.

Causes
There is no clear cause of pancreatic cancer, but according to many doctors, smoking plays a role in its development. The pancreas is about six inches long, and it looks like a pear. It is located behind the lower part of the stomach, and it lies horizontally. Mostly, pancreatic cancer develops in the body due to mutation of the pancreas’s DNA. Because of these mutations, the cells of the pancreas start growing uncontrollably, and ultimately, they may damage the healthy cells. If left untreated for a long time, these abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor in the pancreas, which could then spread to other body parts.

Symptoms

• One of the common symptoms of this type of cancer is the occurrence of jaundice.
• This cancer is also accompanied by stomach pain, which could spread to the back.
• Many people with pancreatic cancer experience back pain.
• Bloating is another common symptom experienced by many individuals.
• Nausea and vomiting are some other symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
• Some people also experience abrupt weight loss.
• The blood sugar levels of the body will always be elevated in patients who have pancreatic cancer.
• Some people experience loss of appetite.

Diagnosis
There are many tests and procedures which can be performed to find the stage and growth of cancer in the body.

• A body checkup or a physical examination with the history of the patient can help the doctor know about the type of cancer that a patient is facing.
• Another diagnostic procedure is blood checkup in which the levels of some substances are checked to know how well the pancreas is functioning.
• Another test to diagnose this cancer is a tumor marker test in which the blood, urine or tissue is tested to know the amount of several substances like CEA. If an individual has this type of cancer, higher levels of these substances are found.
• Magnetic resonance imaging is another type of test utilized to diagnose pancreatic cancer. It is performed using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer.
• Several doctors also use CT scans to get a picture of the affected area.
• A PET scan is another test utilized to check for malignant tumor cells in the body.
• Biopsy, laparoscopy, PTC, ERCP, EUS, and abdominal ultrasound are some other tests used to diagnose this form of cancer.

Depending on the stage of cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are utilized to treat this cancer.