Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

 The pancreas is an important organ located in the abdomen area. It plays a vital role in converting the food into energy for the body cells. The pancreas has two major functions: the exocrine function which helps in digestion and an endocrine function that helps in the regulation of blood sugar. Both cancerous and noncancerous tumours can develop in the pancreas. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in its early stage can help a lot in the treatment. Let us know more about this condition: 

Symptoms

Some common symptoms linked with pancreatic cancer can be:

• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Yellowing of skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice)
• Loss of appetite 
• Dark-coloured urine
• Light-coloured stools
• Blood clots
• Itchy skin

Risk factors

Factors that may increase an individual’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer may include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Old age
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Family history of genetic syndromes can increase the risk of cancer 
• Family history of pancreatic cancer

Treatment 

Following are the treatment options available for pancreatic cancer:

Surgery

There are majorly four types of surgeries that can be performed to treat pancreatic cancer, namely: 

• Surgery for tumours in the pancreatic head 
• Surgery for tumours in the pancreatic body and tail
• Surgery for tumours affecting nearby blood vessels
• Surgery to remove the entire pancreas (pancreatectomy)

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that is used to kill cancer cells with certain types of drugs. These drugs can either be injected or taken orally. The patient may receive one chemotherapy drug or a combination of them depending on their condition. Chemotherapy is also often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation). It is typically used to treat cancer that has not spread other organs. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. An individual may receive radiation treatments before or after cancer surgery. These are often combined with chemotherapy when the condition cannot be treated surgically.

Proper treatment can improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and complications related to pancreatic cancer. Thus, it is important to only go for the best pancreas specialist in Delhi to get the right treatment.

What to Know About Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical medical process that is used to check a person's digestive tract. It is the insertion of a long and flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, directly into the body to inspect an internal organ and tissues. Endoscopy is also used to capture images of the internal organ and perform minor surgeries. In medical terms, the upper endoscopy is called esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Often, doctors prescribe this medical process for the following reasons:

Examine signs and symptoms

This minimally invasive process may help doctors to determine causes of digestive problems such as:

• Digestive tract bleeding
• Stomach pain
• Polyps or growths in the colon
• Gastritis, ulcers or difficulty swallowing
• Changes in bowel habits (chronic constipation or diarrhoea)

Tissue samples 

The doctors may prescribe this process to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to assess them for any specific conditions and health diseases including bleeding, inflammation, anaemia, diarrhoea, or cancers of the digestive tract.

Treatment

The endoscopist may use some specific tools through the endoscope to treat problems in the digestive tract system including destroying or removing a strange object, clipping off a polyp, or widening a narrow esophagus.

How to prepare for Endoscopy?

Examining the upper digestive tract requires a person to keep a fast for 7-8 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is unfilled and set for the endoscopy. If an individual takes certain blood-thinning medicines, the doctor may ask him to stop medications before the procedure.

Risks and side effects

Though endoscopy is a safe medical procedure, there may be some potential complications such as:

• A numb throat for a few hours due to the effects of local anesthetic
• Feeling bloated for a few hours after the process
• Pain in endoscopy part
• Complications related to previous health problems

Those who are prescribed for this medical procedure need to choose the best endoscopist in Delhi, Mumbai or any other city. During the process, the person will be given a sedative or general anesthesia to make them comfortable and relaxed. Patients may wake up within an hour but it will take 24 hours for the sedation effect to wear off.

Hepatitis C: Stages and Symptoms

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that severely affects the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus and leads to inflammation of the liver. In the initial stages, symptoms are mild. It might not require any treatments if the body’s immune system is strong enough to fight the infections. When this is the case, hepatologists ask to get some blood test done to monitor the liver functioning. However, if the body’s immune system is weak and unable to clear the virus on its own, treatment becomes compulsory. Hepatitis C, if left untreated, can result in liver damage, liver cancer and even fatality. To treat hepatitis c, best hepatologist in Delhi or anywhere else usually prescribe some interferons and antivirals. Let us check out the stages of hepatitis C.

Acute Hepatitis C

The first six months of Hepatitis C, after contracting hepatitis C virus, is considered to be the acute phase. People suffering from acute hepatitis C usually do not experience any symptoms. But if they do, they might notice early symptoms which include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• JaundicePeople having strong immune system recover from acute hepatitis c within a few weeks without any treatment.

Chronic Hepatitis C

When the body’s immune system is weak enough to fight the infection, hepatitis C gradually progresses to the chronic stage. Often, chronic hepatitis C goes undiagnosed for years and symptoms take time to show up. In the chronic stage, continuous inflammation of the liver kills healthy liver cells. When this starts happening, the following symptoms start appearing:

• Fatigue
• Stomach upset
• Decreased appetite
• Pain in joint and muscles

Compensated Cirrhosis

Compensated cirrhosis is the early period of cirrhosis. At this stage, due to inflammation in the liver, liver cells get damaged and hardened scar tissues replace the liver cells. At this stage, it becomes difficult for the liver to filter toxins and as a result, these toxins start contaminating the blood. Some of the symptoms of compensated cirrhosis are:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Unusual weight loss
• Brain fog
• Fluid retention and swelling in the abdomen
• Bruising
• Loss of muscle mass

Decompensated Cirrhosis

In decompensated cirrhosis, due to liver scarring liver dysfunction arises. At this stage, serious complications like liver failure and liver cancer might occur and they can be fatal. Some of the symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis are:

• Swelling in legs
• Brain fog
• Bleeding from the large blood vessels in the oesophagus
• Jaundice
• Bruising
• Ascites, i.e. accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
• Severe fatigue
• Continuous weight and muscle loss

Hepatitis C is contagious. There are high chances of getting infected with hepatitis C if people come in contact with the blood or the body fluid of an infected person.

Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Cereal grains such as wheat and barley have a protein called gluten in it. This particular protein, unlike peptides, does not get broken down by digestive enzymes easily. Human beings who suffer from celiac disease have an intolerance of gluten, leading to severe digestive problems whenever this protein is consumed. If this disease is not treated in time, then serious damage can take place in the small intestine of the patient. For this reason, consulting a renowned gastroenterologist in Delhi, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities is advised for those who have a family history of celiac disease. 

Symptoms 

As this medical condition is an autoimmune disorder, its symptoms can often mimic other issues in the body. The commonly observed signs are abdominal pain, bloating, feeling of fullness, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, and mouth ulcers. In some cases, patients might experience diarrhoea, joint pain, rashes, severe headaches, and nausea. Besides this, anaemia and unexplained weight loss have also been linked to celiac disease. Moreover, children suffering from this disorder might face neurological issues disabilities related to learning and ADHD. 

Causes

The root cause of this condition has been not been found yet, however, it has been seen to run in families due to certain genes. This does not mean that every offspring will suffer from celiac disease, but a few individuals in the bloodline would be gluten intolerance. In the racial context, Caucasians are at a higher risk of celiac disease than others. People suffering from serious health conditions such as Addison’s disease, Down syndrome, and type 1 diabetes are susceptible to celiac disease as well. 

Treatment

For diagnosis, serological tests are conducted in order to look for the presence of certain antibodies related to celiac disease. Along with this, genetic testing is also initiated for the patient. If the condition has progressed, then the medical practitioner will conduct an endoscopy to analyse the intestinal damage. A gluten-free diet has to be followed by a celiac disease patient throughout her/his lifetime. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages and consuming tobacco products should be avoided. If there is a lack of nutrients, then the gastroenterologist will prescribe supplements to the patient. 

Celiac disease can be managed with a healthy diet plan that eliminates all gluten products. As it is a lifelong disorder, the patient should ensure that her/his intestines are checked regularly. 

Causes and Symptoms of Enlarged Pancreas

An enlarged pancreas can happen for several reasons. The pancreas is a big gland, sitting behind the stomach in the upper abdomen and aid in the digestion process. It creates enzymes into the small intestine to help digest food. The pancreas also produces glucagon and insulin in the bloodstream to help the body to regulate the food effectively for energy. Pancreatitis happens when digestive enzymes get overactive in the pancreas, causing damage to its tissues. This can be a reason for an enlarged pancreas. However, a few more causes and symptoms of the enlarged pancreas are mentioned below.

 

Causes

Chronic pancreatitis

Heredity, excessive alcohol consumption, cystic fibrosis, increased levels of fats and calcium in the blood, and some particular medicines are some causes of chronic pancreatitis. In such conditions, the swelling goes worse with time and can lead the pancreas to permanent damage. It is vital for the patients to consult the best pancreas specialist in Delhi, Mumbai or any city to start the treatment immediately.

Acute pancreatitis

In cases of acute pancreatitis, inflammation occurs suddenly in the pancreas. It can be a severe condition but can be treated within a few months of medication. Gallstones and alcohol consumption are two major causes of acute pancreatitis. Some other causes may include infections, certain drugs, extreme levels of fats in the blood, and some specific medical procedures. 

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer happens due to atypical cell expansion in the pancreas, gradually spreading to other parts in the body, if left untreated. 

Abscess

An abscess is a pus-filled hole, generally happens due to bacterial infectivity. A pancreatic pseudocyst that gets infected can develop into an abscess. 

Symptoms of the enlarged pancreas

People with an enlarged pancreas may feel pain in the upper part of the abdomen which is the most common symptom. However, some other symptoms may include the following:

• Weight loss   
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Diarrhoea or oily stools
• Rapid pulse

On experiencing such symptoms, patients must instantly consult a specialist to find the right treatment. They need to contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other city to start getting treatment on time.

Gallstones: Meaning, Causes, Types, and Symptoms

The gallbladder is an organ of the shape of a small pouch that is situated below the liver. The function of the gallbladder is to help in digestion by storing and releasing the bile produced by the liver. When it collects and hardens inside the gallbladder gallstones are formed. A gallstone can be as small as a grain of sand and as big as a golf ball. 

Causes of Gallstones

• When an excess amount of cholesterol is present in the bile

Under normal circumstances, bile has enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol that is secreted by our liver. However, if the amount of cholesterol secreted by the liver larger than the amount that chemicals in bile can dissolve, it can lead the formation gallstones.

• When an excess amount of bilirubin is present in the bile

Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when the red blood cells in our body break down. Conditions like cirrhosis, biliary tract infection and blood disorders causes the liver to produce bilirubin in excess amount. The overproduction of bilirubin by the liver contributes to the formation of gallstones.

• When some amount of bile is retained in the gallbladder

Gallbladder usually becomes empty after we consume food as it helps indigestion. While digestion if the gallbladder doesn’t become empty and a certain amount of bile is retained inside gallbladder every time, the bile becomes concentrated and leads to the formation of gallstones. 

Types of gallstones

• Cholesterol Gallstones

As we read above that sometimes liver secretes cholesterol more than than the amount that chemicals in bile can dissolve. Gallstones formed due to this cholesterol are called cholesterol gallstones. These gallstones are yellowish-green in colour. 

• Pigment gallstones

It has been explained above that sometimes gallstones are formed due to excessive production of bilirubin. These gallstones are called pigment gallstones. They are dark brown or black. 

Symptoms of gallstones

• Pain in the right-hand side of the upper abdomen, just below the ribs
• Pain in the right shoulder and back
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Diarrhoea

See the best hepatologist in Delhi or anywhere else if you experience following signs of severe infection or inflammation:

• Fever
• Feeling of cold
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured poop

Gallstones can be troublesome if not treated on time. Under severe condition, you might have to undergo surgery to get rid of gallstones.

Things You Need to Know about Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a nonsurgical medical procedure that involves putting in a long tube with a tiny camera on the top directly into the body of an individual to find out problems in internal organs or tissues. It is used to examine the upper part of the digestive system. A specialised physician or endoscopist carries out this process to detect and cure issues that may cause problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, the opening of the small intestine. The upper endoscopy is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is also used to perform minor surgeries and capturing the internal organs.

Why endoscopy is prescribed?

Investigate signs and symptoms

The procedure can help doctors to detect the causes and signs of digestive problems such as vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It is also prescribed by doctors in case a person is suffering from stomach pain, digestive tract bleeding, diarrhoea or chronic constipation, growths or polyps in the colon, and ulcers. 

Diagnose and collect samples

The doctors often perform an endoscopy to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to assess them for specific conditions such as problems like bleeding, diarrhoea, anaemia, inflammation, or cancers in the digestive tract.

Treatment 

The doctors can use some special tools through the endoscope or tube to treat problems in the digestive tract system, these may include widening a contracted esophagus, removing an odd object, and clipping off a polyp. 

Risks involved with endoscopy

Endoscopy is a safe procedure, however, there may be a few risks such as:

• Over-sedation
• Mild cramping
• Persistent pain in endoscopy part
• Internal bleeding, usually minor and often treatable by endoscopic operation
• Complications related to previous health conditions

People who are prescribed endoscopy will be asked to keep fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is clear. To make them comfortable and relaxed during the procedure, they are given sedatives. People might feel that they are mentally alert, but their memory and reaction times may be impaired due to sedatives. It is highly recommended to get this procedure done from a reputed endoscopist. For instance, if you live in Delhi, you can find the best endoscopist in Gangaram hospital.