Pancreatic cancer develops when abnormal cells form and multiply in the pancreas, a gland located behind your stomach that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. It often grows silently at first, making early detection crucial to improving outcomes.
Pancreatic cancer may not cause noticeable signs early on. As it advances, you might experience:
The exact trigger for pancreatic cancer isn't always clear, but several factors raise your risk:
Take the first step toward answers and relief: Book an Appointment Today with GastroDoxs your trusted pancreatic cancer care team in Jersey Village. Our patient-centered approach combines expert diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, access to advanced therapies, and compassionate support to guide you through every stage of your care journey.
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The ICD-10 code for pancreatic cancer is generally C25.x, where the final character (e.g., C25.0, C25.1) specifies the exact location of the tumor within the pancreas.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests (including tumor markers like CA 19-9), imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans, and a tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Many patients first notice symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), upper abdominal or back pain, sudden unexplained weight loss, or a new onset of diabetes.
The five-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is low (around 3-7%), but ongoing advances in treatments are slowly improving outcomes.
While not all cases can be prevented, you can lower your risk by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active.
A board-certified gastroenterologist is the best first step for any stomach or pancreatic symptoms, as they specialize in digestive system disorders and can guide further evaluation.
Blood markers such as CA 19-9 can raise suspicion, but they are not definitive. Imaging and biopsy remain necessary to confirm a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Pain management may include prescription pain medications, nerve blocks, radiation therapy for tumor shrinkage, and palliative care approaches to improve comfort.
Yes. Small, frequent meals rich in protein and easily digestible nutrients, along with pancreatic enzyme supplements if needed, can help maintain strength and reduce digestive symptoms.
Contact a gastroenterologist right away if you experience persistent upper abdominal or back pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or any new digestive changes.
