Can patients with advanced pancreatic cancer eat watermelon?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer can eat watermelon. This is because many patients with advanced pancreatic cancer experience liver metastasis. Cancerous tissues damage liver cells, leading to impaired liver function and abnormal glycogen metabolism. Many patients may experience episodes of hypoglycemia, and eating watermelon can help replenish blood sugar, which is beneficial for the patients. Additionally, many patients with advanced pancreatic cancer suffer from a decline in appetite, and watermelon can stimulate their appetite and increase their food intake, which is also beneficial for their recovery. Thirdly, watermelon has a certain diuretic effect. Since many patients with advanced pancreatic cancer also suffer from hypoproteinemia, they are prone to edema. Eating watermelon can promote an increase in urine output, thereby helping to alleviate edema.

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Can pancreatic cancer patients eat eggs?

The dietary principles for pancreatic cancer are: First, eat nutritionally rich foods; second, pay attention to reasonable combinations; third, adjust the dietary structure; and fourth, appropriately include some fungi. Patients with pancreatic cancer should first consider nutrition in their diet, and can eat more high-protein, high-carbohydrate foods, such as fish, liver, eggs, milk, vegetable soup, etc., to supplement the nutrients and energy needed by the body. Based on their actual physical condition, they should adjust their diet structure and ensure nutritional balance. Therefore, it is acceptable for pancreatic cancer patients to eat eggs.

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What should be done if pancreatic cancer has not metastasized?

If pancreatic cancer has not metastasized, then it might be in an early stage. In this situation, consultation with a hepatobiliary surgeon is necessary for the surgeon to assess whether curative surgery can be performed. If the surgeon determines that curative surgery is feasible, this should be the preferred treatment method. Post-operatively, based on whether there are symptoms of recurrence or metastasis, such as vascular tumor thrombi or lymph node metastases, decisions concerning the necessity for adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy should be made based on these high-risk factors for recurrence and metastasis.

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The difference between pancreatic tumors and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic tumors include benign and malignant tumors, with malignant pancreatic tumors commonly referred to as pancreatic cancer. Benign pancreatic tumors include insulinomas, pancreatic cysts, lipomas of the pancreas, or fibromas, which are relatively rare in clinical settings. Whether benign or malignant, including pancreatic cancer, symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, among other clinical signs. However, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors requires pathological examination.

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Classification of the Malignancy of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can also be described as a malignant tumor occurring in the pancreas, generally with a high malignancy level, resulting in a higher probability of patient death. To understand the classification of pancreatic cancer, it can be categorized based on the location of occurrence within the pancreas and the pathological type. Based on the location of occurrence, pancreatic cancer can generally be divided into cancers of the pancreatic head, body, tail, and entire pancreas. According to the pathological types of pancreatic cancer, it can be classified into ductal adenocarcinoma, and also some special types of ductal-origin cancers, which generally include pleomorphic carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and signet ring cell carcinoma, among others.

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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Ultrasound, CT, MRI, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), PTCD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangio Drainage), angiography, laparoscopy, tumor markers measurement, cancer gene analysis, etc., are significantly helpful in confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and determining whether it is resectable surgically. Generally, ultrasound, CA199, and CEA can be used as screening tests. Once pancreatic cancer is suspected, a CT scan is necessary. If the patient has jaundice, especially severe, and a CT scan cannot confirm the diagnosis, ERCP and PTCD can be considered. If internal drainage is successful, surgery can be delayed for one to two weeks for patients with severe jaundice. The diagnostic value of MRI for pancreatic cancer is not superior to CT. If pancreatic cancer has been confirmed but it is uncertain whether it can be surgically removed, choosing angiography and laparoscopy is also clinically meaningful.