Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

When cells in the pancreas multiply uncontrollably and form a mass, the condition is called pancreatic cancer. When cancer arises in the part responsible for the production of digestive enzymes, it is termed as exocrine pancreatic cancer. When it arises in the hormone-producing tissue of the pancreas, it is called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET). The common symptoms associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma are the occurrence of jaundice, diabetes, pain in the upper abdomen, unexplained weight loss, etc. PanNETs give rise to symptoms that are consistent either with the over-production of different active hormones or only show symptoms when it has spread to other parts of the body, depending on the type of the PanNET. Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed by a combination of blood tests, medical imaging techniques such as CT or ultrasound, and biopsies. The treatment of pancreatic cancer is based on the stage of the cancer. It can be treated through the modes of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a combination of these. This book provides comprehensive insights into pancreatic cancer. It provides significant information of the clinical aspects of pancreatic cancer from diagnosis to treatment. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.