Pancreatic Cancer : In Depth - Deciding on T...
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Researchers are continually finding new ways to treat pancreatic cancer. People diagnosed with this cancer now have more hope for survival than ever before.
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At first, the information you learn about treatment options may seem overwhelming. You may ease the stress by allowing yourself the time to gather as much information as possible about your disease and its treatment. That way, you can discuss the issues with your doctors, nurses, and loved ones.
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Your doctor may suggest one or more of these treatments if you have pancreatic cancer. They are listed from the most to least common.
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There are several types of surgery for pancreatic cancer. The type of surgery you need depends on the location of the tumor in the pancreas and whether all of the cancer can be removed. These are the main types listed from most to least common.
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Surgery is usually done to remove cancer from the pancreas. The surgeon may remove part or all of your pancreas. He or she may remove other organs as well. The first goal of surgery is to remove the tumor. A second goal of surgery may be to ease symptoms.
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Surgery may be a good choice for you if the following statements are true. You are healthy enough to withstand general anesthesia and the surgery itself.
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You'll meet with your surgeon before surgery to talk about any concerns you may have.
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Your hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery you had. Recovery after you leave the hospital may continue from 4 to 12 weeks. Here is an overview of how you may feel after surgery.
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Radiation treatment is also called radiotherapy. The goal is to use radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. It is most often given after surgery. If you had surgery for early-stage pancreatic cancer (Stage I or II), radiation can help kill any cancer cells that remain in or near your pancreas. If your cancer has spread beyond your pancreas and the nearby areas, your doctor may use radiation to shrink the cancer and ease your symptoms.
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There are 2 ways to get radiation. You may get one or both of these types of radiation.
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For this treatment, you'll talk with a doctor who specializes in both cancer and radiation, called a radiation oncologist. This doctor will tell you what type of radiation you need, at what dose, and for how long. During your visit, ask what you can expect to feel during and after the treatment.
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Radiation therapy affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. The side effects of radiation depend on the amount and the type of radiation you get. Be sure to let your doctor know of any side effects you have.
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For this treatment, you'll talk with a doctor who specializes in both cancer and radiation, called a radiation oncologist. This doctor will talk with you about these details of your treatment.
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Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs also harm healthy cells. This can cause side effects. Right now, chemotherapy alone does not cure pancreatic cancer. But there are drugs that ease pain and other symptoms.
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Your doctor may suggest chemotherapy after another treatment. It may be used to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery or radiation. It may be a good choice if your cancer has spread away from your pancreas and other treatments aren't working. If you have it after surgery, it's called adjuvant chemotherapy. Ask your doctor about clinical trials that may help you.
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How often you get chemotherapy treatments depends on the type of drugs you receive. The type of chemotherapy drug you get often depends on the size of your tumor and how fast it is spreading.
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The side effects of chemotherapy are different for everyone. They depend on these things.
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