Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging malignancies to diagnose and treat. It includes various tumor types, ranging from ductal adenocarcinoma, which has a poor prognosis, to neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors, which generally have a more favorable prognosis.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive diagnostic approach is crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning. The following methods are commonly used:

• Abdominal Ultrasound – Initial imaging to detect abnormalities in the pancreas.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – Provides detailed imaging for tumor localization and staging.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Further evaluates the pancreas and surrounding structures.

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – Assesses bile and pancreatic ducts; allows for biopsy.

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – A high-resolution imaging technique used for tumor evaluation and biopsy collection.

• PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography) – Detects distant metastases and tumor spread.

Treatment

The treatment approach depends on the stage of the disease:

• Stages 1 & 2 (Resectable Tumors):Radical Pancreatic Resection (Pancreaticoduodenectomy or Pancreatosplenectomy) – Surgical removal of the tumor, often combined with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy to improve long-term survival.
  

• Stage 3 (Locally Advanced Cancer):Surgery is often not possible, but in some cases, partial removal may be attempted.
  Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy – Used before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve surgical outcomes.
  

• Stage 4 (Metastatic Cancer):Surgery is not recommended due to widespread disease.
  Palliative Chemotherapy is the primary treatment to slow progression and manage symptoms.
  

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 KRW