What is the cause of pancreatic cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on June 16, 2025
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Currently, the exact cause of pancreatic cancer, a malignant tumor of the digestive system, is not clear in clinical practice. Clinical evidence has confirmed that the occurrence of pancreatic cancer is related to the following factors:

1. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increased among people who smoke heavily and drink alcohol for a long period of time.

2. A long-term diet high in fats and low in fiber, leading to obesity, can also result in a high incidence of pancreatic cancer.

3. People who are exposed to chemical carcinogens like benzene over a long period tend to have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to the normal population.

4. People with newly developed type 2 diabetes but no family history of diabetes should also be cautious of the potential occurrence of pancreatic cancer.

5. Groups of people with a history of chronic familial pancreatitis also have an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer.

Other Voices

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How to deal with lower limb edema in advanced pancreatic cancer?

In late-stage pancreatic cancer, bilateral lower extremity edema should be considered possibly due to hypoalbuminemia, which leads to edema in both legs. It is also possible that cancer emboli in late-stage pancreatic cancer block the venous system, causing impaired venous return and resulting in bilateral lower extremity edema. To determine the specific cause, it is necessary to complete ultrasonographic examinations of the blood vessels in the lower limbs, as well as liver function tests, complete blood count, and others. After clarifying the diagnosis, appropriate treatment measures should be taken based on the different causes. For example, if the edema is caused by hypoalbuminemia, active supplementation with albumin and diuretics, among other treatments, is required. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Will the routine blood test be abnormal for pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive system. In the early stages, most pancreatic cancer patients generally have normal routine blood test indicators and show no abnormalities. This is because the early lesions are localized, without invasion or metastasis, and therefore have minimal impact on the overall body, not causing abnormalities in routine blood test indicators. As the disease progresses, patients in the middle and late stages of pancreatic cancer often exhibit abnormalities in routine blood test indicators, mainly manifested as abnormalities in hemoglobin levels. Patients experience mild, moderate, or severe anemia. Some patients may also have metastasis to the bone marrow, liver, spleen, etc. Clinically, there can also be a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Due to the impact of pancreatic cancer lesions on liver function, there can also be abnormalities in coagulation function.

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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.

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Can pancreatic cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Pancreatic cancer can be detected by CT, which shows both direct and indirect signs. The direct signs of pancreatic cancer are manifested as pancreatic masses, which are mostly lobulated. On plain scans, the tumor appears isodense or slightly hypodense compared to the pancreatic parenchyma. When the tumor is large, it appears as a local protrusion, mostly located within the pancreas. In the early phase after enhancement, the tumor enhances less than the surrounding normal pancreatic tissue because pancreatic cancer is a hypovascular tumor. Indirect signs are mainly secondary changes caused by pancreatic cancer, mainly affecting the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct, which can lead to pancreatic duct dilation, characterized by the typical double duct sign.

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What to do about heart heat in late-stage pancreatic cancer?

In the late stages of pancreatic cancer, if you feel a burning sensation in the chest area, this is generally due to the spread of cancer cells causing this phenomenon. The spread of cancer cells can lead to an increase in body temperature, and even fever. There are also clinical manifestations such as palpitations, chest tightness, and increased heart rate. Treatment should be based on individual clinical symptoms, combined with the results of various examinations. Generally, in the late stages of pancreatic cancer, it is important to pay attention to replenishing the body's nutrition intravenously.