Pancreatic Cancer –Detection & Treatment Options
Detecting & Treating Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadlier types of cancer with a one-year survival rate hanging around 20 percent and a five-year survival rate of 5 percent. Although it is fast moving, it is still treatable, especially if it is detected early on. It is important that you seek help from a Phoenix cancer center such as Phoenix CyberKnife if you notice any of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms and Detection
Some types of pancreatic cancer do not exhibit symptoms until the tumors have grown large or spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can include
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Pain in the middle or higher parts of the back or abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
People who smoke, have a family history of pancreatitis, have diabetes, or have chronic pancreatitis are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The tumors can only be accurately diagnosed using imaging technology or tissue removal.
Treatment
Pancreatic cancer is often treated with a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, there are new methods of treatment in development all the time. Here at Phoenix Cyberknife and Radiation Oncology Center, we can also use the non-invasive CyberKnife surgical options. We also utilize robotics engineering and the latest technology in radiation oncology and medical imaging.
Average radiation treatment can take weeks to complete, but CyberKnife only involves daily sessions for up to five days. There is little downtime; in fact, you can still return to work and your other daily routines after a treatment.
Contact Us
There is no reason to wait for treatment when you receive any cancer diagnosis, but this is particularly the case with pancreatic cancer. The earlier the diagnosis and the plan of treatment is made, the better the prospects are likely to be. To learn more about Phoenix pancreatic cancer treatment and detection options, contact us at 602-441-3845.