Cancer Treatment for Recurring Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is typified by uncontrolled growth of cells lining the pancreas. It is one of the most difficultly diagnosed cancer forms. Pancreatic cancer is called recurrent whenever it reappears even after treating it. National Cancer Institute reports that nearly 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. Despite no complete cure, effective treatment methods are available which can treat recurrent pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Options

• Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is one of the most common treatments which may be recommended and administered to patients suffering from recurring pancreatic cancer. Along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often administered to destroy the cancerous cells and thus prevent their subsequent multiplication.

Time Frame

• In most cases, radiation therapy is given regularly for two or three months, while chemotherapy is administered periodically for one or two months.

Survival Rate

• According to the National Cancer Institute, the mean 5-year survival rate for a patient suffering from pancreatic cancer is 5.5%.

Effects

• Loss of hair, appetite loss, fatigue, vomiting and nausea are some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Bleeding and pain are some of the post surgery side effects.

Prevention/Solution

• Quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding exposure to pollutants, maintaining a healthy weight and diet are some of preventive measures which you can take to avoid cancer development in the body (including the pancreas).