Why does pancreatic cancer kill its victims so quickly?

1. 77

   Craanposted 13 years ago

   Why does pancreatic cancer kill its victims so quickly?

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2. 68

   onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

   Most probably do not discover it until it has progressed into the later stages.  At that point, treatments may not be effective.

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3. 60

   internett1t3posted 13 years ago

   Pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage because it doesn't cause symptoms until it's too late. Weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice [a yellowing of the skin due to toxic buildup in the liver]—those are the most common symptoms. They usually start after the tumor is a significant size. By then, chances are, it has metastasized [that is, spread to other parts of the body].

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4. 57

   ThePeeDeeWildcatposted 13 years ago

   I speak very much as a layman about the subject, but I have understood that there are excretions from a cancerous pancreas that are so toxic that they can literally burn or cook adjoining tissue after contact.

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5. 60

   Dr Ken Romeoposted 13 years ago

   The pancreatic cancer stage plays a role in the pancreatic cancer prognosis. Based on historical data:
   
   •7 percent of pancreas cancer cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site (localized stage)
   
   •26 percent of pancreas cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or directly beyond the primary site
   
   •52 percent of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already metastasized (distant stage)
   
   •14 percent of pancreatic cancer cases had staging information that was unknown.
   
   The corresponding five-year relative survival rates were:
   
   •16.4 percent for localized
   •7.0 percent for regional
   •1.8 percent for distant
   •4.3 percent for unstaged.

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6. 61

   have2writeposted 13 years ago

   I don't know but I do know that there is a cure for cancer that has worked with pancreatic cancer. The formula is in my first hub which I just posted.
   
   Go to my first hub called "There is a cure for cancer" which tells all and you will find testimonials from a man who lived for 15 years after doctors sent him home to die with prostate cancer and testimonials for many other cancers.  Many people take the formula to prevent cancer. Please pass the word around. Thanks.

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7. 59

   UrologyGroupposted 13 years ago

   Not all cancers are the same. Some are fast growing and spread rapidly (called metastasis). Others are slower growing or discovered early.Pancreatic cancer is still a type of cancer which is diagnosed often late. Hence, many times, at time of diagnosis, it has already spread to other organs. In addition, the pancreas in located behind the stomach and under the liver, just above a portion of the duodenum. So when it spreads, which is quickly, it can spread to local organs adjacent to it. The symptoms are often nausea or vomiting with the inability to eat. Many patients present with jaundice ( yellowish skin) as well. This is due to blockage of the common bile duct, which secretes bile into the second portion of the duodenum. Finally, the treatment, which can be extensive surgery, is not curative because of the late presentation of the cancer at diagnosis and aggressiveness of the cancer.

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8. 61

   Dr Emily Altmanposted 12 years ago

   Pancreatic cancer is found pretty late in the game.  It's not symptomatic until it has already spread.
   
   If the cancer is in the head of the pancreas, it is usually found when it wraps around and constricts the common bile duct.  If it is at the tail, it is usually found even later.
   
   So, the prognosis is already significantly worse because the cancer is advanced.

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9. 64

   Andme26posted 12 years ago

   is the stage you diagnose it . most of the times people don't get diagnosed on time

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