The Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

The Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that sits behind the lower part of the stomach. Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas, which is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid digestion and producing hormones that manage blood sugar. If detected early, cervical cancer can be treated easily. The various treatments cervical cancer patients can opt for to destroy this type of cancer and tThe treatment selected depends on the extent of cancer growth.

Some of the treatments cervical cancer patients can undergo include the following options:

1. Surgery
One of the common treatments for cervical cancer patients undergo is surgery. It may include laser surgery and cold knife surgery where pre-cancerous tissues on the cervix are removed. Electrosurgery is another option where a loop is used to deliver an electric current to destroy pre-cancerous tissues.

When cancer starts spreading and affecting other organs, then the surgery to be performed would be a hysterectomy. Different forms of hysterectomy that are used, depend on the stage of cancer.

  • Simple hysterectomy

Here, both the cervix and uterus are removed. They can be taken out either through the vagina or by making an incision on the abdomen. Sometimes, laparoscopy can be used where the procedure is done by making a small key-hole incision.

  • Radical hysterectomy

When cancer is at an advanced stage, along with the cervix and uterus, the upper part of the vagina and the surrounding tissues are also removed. In advanced cases, doctors remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well.

  • Radical trachelectomy

This procedure allows the woman to be fertile. The uterus is retained and only the cervix and upper part of the vagina is removed.

  • Pelvic exenteration

Along with the cervix, uterus, and ovaries, the bladder and rectum are also removed. It is necessary when cancer is at an advanced stage.

2. Radiotherapy
Radiation in the form of high-energy beams is directed at the cervix to destroy the cancer cells. The radiation may be delivered in the form of external beams that are targeted in a way that prevents healthy tissues from being damaged.

In some cases, a radioactive substance may be inserted near the cancer cells to destroy it. This procedure is known as internal radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can have side effects like urinary problems, fatigue, and skin problems.

3. Chemotherapy
This therapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Medicines are mostly used to reduce the size of the tumors so that they can be removed surgically. Chemotherapy is also combined with radiation (Chemoradiation) for more effective treatment for cervical cancer.

The medicines used in chemotherapy are known to cause side effects that include hair loss, digestive problems, fatigue, infections, and anemia.

4. Immunotherapy
The body’s immune system can fight cancer with the help of T-cells. In immunotherapy, medication is given to boost the immune system of the patient, allowing it to fight and destroy cancer cells.

5. Targeted therapy
This cervical cancer treatment involves targeting cancer cells by preventing their growth. The proteins in the cancer cells can be targeted to prevent the cells from growing. Cancer cells need blood vessels to get nourishment. Targeted therapy can be used to stop the growth of blood vessels to starve the cancer cells.

Targeted therapy is more beneficial in stopping cancer cells from growing rather than treating existing tumors. However, the medications used can have serious side effects like bleeding, fatigue, and high blood pressure.