It is more common among men than women. Most cases occur between ages 65 and 79. Its causes are unknown, but may be related to smoking, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Pancreatic cancer in Minnesota and risk factors Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to diagnose early. The signs of pancreatic cancer are like many other illnesses, and there may be no signs in the first stages.
Surgical resection is performed when disease is localized and the potential for cure exists.
Surgery for cure is not done if disease has spread beyond the pancreas. When obstruction of bile ducts or bowel is present and cure is not possible, surgical or endoscopic procedures can be done to relive the obstruction Chemotherapy and radiation therapy before or after surgery is becoming increasingly employed. Radiation can be used pre or postoperatively to eradicate remaining disease or for palliation. Radioactive implants and intraoperative radiation may also be used to deliver higher doses of radiation directly to the tumor. Depending on the dose and extent of the field involved, gastrointestinal distress frequently accompanies radiation.