How is pancreatic cancer caused?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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Currently, there is no consensus in clinical practice regarding the causes of pancreatic cancer, but some studies have found that certain factors contribute to its high incidence. For example, patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to those without diabetes, and having chronic pancreatitis and other diseases also leads to a higher occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, factors such as genetic mutations are also associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Some research has found that there is a certain correlation between genetic factors and the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. Once pancreatic cancer develops, it leads to a variety of symptoms in clinical settings.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Five Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The five major symptoms of early pancreatic cancer patients include abdominal pain, jaundice, abdominal distension, diarrhea, fatigue, and more, among which the occurrence of abdominal pain is higher. Many patients with early pancreatic cancer experience persistent and hidden abdominal pain without other clinical symptoms, which often leads to missed opportunities for early diagnosis; Secondly, jaundice is also a main manifestation of early pancreatic cancer, particularly in the head of the pancreas, mainly due to the tumor causing obstructive jaundice; Thirdly, abdominal distension, which is generally a mild distension and often does not significantly attract clinical attention; Fourthly, patients often feel a general fatigue, which is difficult to alleviate with ordinary treatment methods; Lastly, diarrhea, which is often due to abnormal secretion of digestive fluids caused by the pathology, leading to diarrhea.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Is a pancreatic tumor the same as pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic tumors include benign and malignant tumors of the pancreas. Common benign pancreatic tumors include insulinomas, which can cause hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin secretion. Other benign tumors of the pancreas include adenomas, lipomas, and fibromas, which are relatively rare clinically. Malignant tumors of the pancreas are commonly referred to as pancreatic cancer, which has a high degree of malignancy. Early-stage pancreatic cancer patients are primarily treated with surgery.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Early symptoms and manifestations of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignant tumor that has seen an increase in incidence in recent years. The early symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer include the following: many patients experience abdominal pain, which often radiates to the shoulder and back. Additionally, some patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer may develop jaundice in the skin and mucous membranes, and some may even exhibit bleeding spots. Moreover, some patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer may show symptoms of indigestion, experiencing repeated belching, nausea, and loss of appetite. Furthermore, the symptoms of early-stage pancreatic cancer are generally not typical because the tumor is located deep within the body and is small, hence it does not invade surrounding tissues. Therefore, the clinical symptoms are neither severe nor diverse.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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What should I do if I can't stop vomiting due to pancreatic cancer?

Firstly, we need to ascertain the cause of the vomiting and can provide gastric protection and antiemetic treatment accordingly. If the vomiting is due to biliary obstruction caused by pancreatic cancer, resulting in severe jaundice and intense vomiting, in such cases, we can also place a stent surgically to drain the bile. The jaundice might be relieved afterwards, and accordingly, the vomiting symptoms might also be alleviated. Another aspect is, if the vomiting is caused by the tumor itself due to pancreatic cancer, we need to employ chemotherapy or some targeted or antiangiogenic treatments to control the tumor itself, and only then might the symptoms of vomiting be relieved.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Can patients with advanced pancreatic cancer eat watermelon?

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.