Pancreatic cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in Germany. Tobacco smoke and obesity, but also a genetic predisposition contribute to the development of the disease. Many of those affected remains unclear what caused the tumor growth. In the early stages, also known as pancreatic disease often causes no or no clear symptoms. The tumor is therefore often not detected until it is advanced. For patients with cancer of the pancreas, this situation is usually very stressful.
The following text provides a brief overview of the key facts about pancreatic cancer and its treatment. Links point to further information and contacts. For individual questions of the Cancer Information Service is on the phone and by e-mail.
Statistics: How common is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is one of the more common types of cancer. In 2006 ill in Germany, according to estimates of the Society of Cancer Registries Association and the Robert Koch Institute, 6380 men and 6980 women in a pancreatic cancer. The mean age of onset is 69 years for men and 76 years for women. Further statistical information can be found in the brochure "Cancer in Germany", available on the website of the Society of Cancer Registries under http://www.shiriz-adv.com/cancer/, and in the booklet "spreading cancer in Germany", available at the site of the Robert Koch Institute www.rki.de under the heading of "health monitoring and epidemiology," and under "cancer registry data.
Pancreas: location, anatomy and function
The pancreas (technical terminology: pancreas) is responsible for about 15 to 20 centimeters long and located behind the stomach into the abdominal cavity. The institution is divided into three sections: head, body and tail. The head is surrounded by the duodenum, the tail tip points to the spleen.
The pancreas is a gland that makes hormones and digestive juices and releases into the body.
It differs from so-called endocrine glands, exocrine glands. Endocrine glands produce hormones and release it directly into the blood. Exocrine glands release their substances to the body surface, such as the sweat glands, or in a cavity in the body, for example in the intestine. The pancreas is both an exocrine gland that produces digestive secretions, and produces an endocrine gland hormones.
Among the hormones of the pancreas include insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels. The most common disease of the pancreas is diabetes, known diabetes mellitus: This is either not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body do not react sufficiently to the hormone.
- Tumors in hormone-producing portion of the pancreas are extremely rare. They are called endocrine pancreatic tumors.
- Most patients with malignant pancreatic cancer suffer from tumors that arise from the exocrine portions of the pancreas.
These exocrine tissue components is the healthy pancreatic digestive juices. This "belly saliva contains enzymes cleave the sugar and fats, as well as precursors of proteolytic enzymes. The digestive juices of the pancreas can be delivered via a duct in the pancreatic head in the duodenum. In exocrine pancreatic tumors, all of these functions of the pancreas may be impaired.
Tumor Biology: What causes cancer?
Cancer can develop anywhere in the body. The tissues of the body are constantly replaced: by cell division, new cells, old or damaged cells die. If the genetic information of a cell is changed, it is possible that the cell dies natural death, no more splits and despite increasing defects and propagated. Her daughter cells also contribute to changing genetic information, and further changes and defects in this genetic "blueprint" for new cells can be added. The result is a tumor that grows uncontrollably.
We distinguish benign tumors from malignant tumors. Benign tumors displace healthy tissue. Malignant tumors grow into healthy tissue and destroy it. In addition, they often form metastases in other organs. Pancreatic cancer is such a malignant or malignant tumor. He usually starts from the so-called epithelial cells of the pancreatic ducts, so the cells that line the ducts of the organ.
Risk factors: What promotes pancreatic cancer?
In many patients with a malignant tumor of the pancreas can not determine in hindsight what caused their illness. From large observational studies, although we know some of the typical risk factors. These are, however, by no means in all patients. And not every person who lives with one or more of the known risk factors, must inevitably suffer from a pancreatic carcinoma.
In terms of statistics are the most important risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer from smoking - even secondhand smoke - and obesity. Also, some chemicals may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. These include, for example, pesticides, herbicides or anti-fungal agent, then called chlorinated hydrocarbons, and chromium and chromium compounds.
Some pre-existing conditions, such as frequent inflammation of the pancreas or acquired diabetes mellitus (type 2, also wrongly "Old Sugar"), and may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer.
People in whose family a first-degree relative - father, mother, brother, sister or child - has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have received a two-to three-fold increased risk of pancreatic carcinoma also. If even two or more first-degree relatives affected by pancreatic cancer is called a "familial pancreatic cancer (FPC). FPC members of a family with two or more directly related patients have a significantly higher risk of disease than the general population. It is still unclear whether a similar standard of living within the family or in fact a genetic predisposition is responsible. Both may play a role. Experts recommend counseling affected families in a specialized center. The address of the nearest center for genetic counseling can provide the doctor issuing a corresponding transfer. A genetic test, which could prove the pancreatic cancer risk in all family members is sure, there are currently not available.
Pancreatic cancer can also occur in patients with rare hereditary syndromes more frequently than non-affected. These include the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole and melanoma syndrome (FAMMM) or hereditary (hereditary) pancreatitis. Whether the risk is increased even further in some hereditary syndromes can not be conclusively determined due to the current data.
Prevention: What protects against pancreatic cancer?
The avoidance of tobacco smoke and a normal weight are the most important ways to reduce its own risk. Movement also appears to be auszuwirken positive, especially in overweight people.
Experts to examine to what extent the composition of the diet influence the development of pancreatic cancer. The data from previous studies are not clear, however, such a statement in the current guideline "pancreatic cancer". A special diet is not recommended. People who eat frequently grilled and smoked foods increases, however, may be personal risk. Alcohol should be enjoyed for the same reason only moderately. It is possible that vitamin C-rich foods have a protective effect.
Screening: Are there screening tests?
So far there is no screening test for healthy subjects. Also for relatives of patients with pancreatic cancer currently no regular examinations of the pancreas is recommended. in a family of several close relatives are ill with pancreatic cancer (at least two), but is possibly a consultation in a specialized center makes sense.
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