Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as the deadliest of all carcinomas because many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat.
However, Dr. Guo Shifang, director of the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine at Chi Mei Medical Center in Taiwan, said during an interview on NTD’s “Health 1+1” that even if you find a tumor in the pancreas, don’t worry before it’s necessary; it may be benign, and there are ways to effectively treat and control the condition through combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Screening for Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas lies deep in the abdomen, hidden behind the stomach, so pancreatic lesions are not easily detected. Guo introduced the five standard diagnostic methods currently employed in detecting pancreatic cancer:- Abdominal Ultrasound: This is the simplest screening method available. It offers a higher tumor detection rate in the anterior part of the pancreas but is less successful in the main body and the posterior portion.
- Serum Tumor Marker Examination: People who do not have regular physical examinations can first take a blood test. If it shows any abnormal signs, further examinations should be performed immediately.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: With the endoscope advancing to the abdominal duodenum, any lesions on the anterior portion of the pancreas can be seen. A biopsy can also be done if any abnormalities are discovered.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): In combination with an endoscope, a contrast agent is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts to perform an X-ray, helping locate any tumors.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This is one of the most common and accurate tests. A CT image may show a dark shadow on the head of the pancreas, which could indicate a tumor requiring further examination and diagnosis. Since the pancreatic head is close to the exit of the liver and gallbladder ducts, a tumor in this area could block the bile duct, potentially causing jaundice.
Benign Pancreatic Tumors
Guo said that even if a pancreatic tumor is found, there is no need to panic because it may be benign, belonging to one of the following four categories:- Pancreatic Degenerative Blisters: Blisters could form due to pancreatic degeneration, and the vacuoles formed by the blisters look like tumors.
- Pseudocysts Formed After Pancreatitis: This is pancreatic inflammation caused by excessive triglycerides and alcohol abuse. Cell necrosis could follow pancreatic inflammation and the formation of pseudocyst cysts, which appear like a tumor.
- Insulin-Secreting Adenoma: When the insulin-secreting glands of the pancreas protrude and become enlarged, they form insulin-producing endocrine tumors, which are generally benign. Due to excessive insulin secretion, patients often experience sudden hypoglycemia, dizziness, or even syncope. However, because this type of endocrine tumor can potentially develop in multiple areas throughout the body, there is a slight chance it could be malignant if it appears in several endocrine organs.
- IgG4 Type 1 Pancreatic Masses: This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic gland, causing it to swell and resemble a tumor. Since it’s an autoimmune disease, it can be treated with steroids.
