What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?

By albert

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Pancreatic cancer starts when abnormal cells in the pancreas multiply uncontrollably and become a tumor. The pancreas is made up of glandular tissue. It is responsible for production of enzymes that help in the digestion process. It also produces the hormones insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and amylin, which are responsible for controlling blood sugar levels and hunger.

When old cells of the pancreas die, other cells grow to replace them. In some cases, however, new cells form while the old cells still exist. These extra cells multiply to form new tissue where it should not be. Pancreatic cancer is comprised of such tissue. Similar to tumors elsewhere, some pancreatic tumors are benign, which means that they are not cancerous, while others are malignant, which means that they are cancerous.

1. Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are usually vague and cannot always be associated with the disease. The symptoms include pain, especially in the abdomen and neck, since the tumor arises in the area between the stomach and the spine, loss of weight, and loss of appetite. Jaundice, with or without itching, may also develop in skin and eyes due to the effects of the disease on the liver. Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer include nausea, changes in stool, inflammation, swelling of the pancreas, and recent-onset diabetes. A person with an advanced case of pancreatic cancer may have depression, general fatigue, weakness, blood clots, and fluids in the abdomen. It is recommended to visit a doctor immediately if you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms.