What are the precursors of pancreatic cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on April 15, 2025
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Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the digestive system clinically. Due to the hidden location of the pancreas, early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are generally not obvious. When individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer exhibit unexplained fatigue or abdominal discomfort, or rapidly progressive jaundice symptoms in a short period, and if patients also have diseases such as diabetes, the possibility of pancreatic cancer should be considered. An abdominal CT scan, MRI, and other radiological examinations should be completed quickly. For identified pancreatic space-occupying lesions, early biopsy through puncture or direct exploratory laparotomy should be performed as soon as possible for treatment.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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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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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Dietary Taboos for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Regarding the dietary restrictions for pancreatic cancer patients, there are no specific prohibitions. The main recommendation is to avoid what we typically refer to as junk food, such as barbecued foods and pickled products. Aside from avoiding these foods, it is important to focus on a nutritious and balanced diet, with a good mix of both meat and vegetables. Additionally, because pancreatic cancer patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen, the diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods. In doing so, while ensuring that the patient receives sufficient nutrition, it is best to consume foods that are easy to digest and nutritionally balanced.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can patients with advanced pancreatic cancer drink yogurt?

Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer can drink yogurt. Yogurt contains fats and proteins, which are not particularly high in content, and also contains probiotics that can effectively aid digestion. It is beneficial for relieving symptoms such as poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Drinking a moderate amount of yogurt can be beneficial for the body. Patients in the late stages of pancreatic cancer should adhere to a light diet, avoid greasy foods, and avoid drinking pure milk and soy milk, among others. A light diet should be the main focus.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How to screen for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Due to its high malignancy and rapid progression, it severely affects human health. So how should pancreatic cancer patients be screened? Generally, abdominal ultrasound examination is the primary screening method. Another method is the examination of tumor markers, mainly carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9. CA19-9 is a tumor marker with relatively high specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, during physical examinations, we can draw blood to check these tumor markers. If there is a significant increase in CA19-9 or CEA, further examinations of the pancreas, such as ultrasound or CT of the pancreas, should be conducted to further investigate whether there is a tumor in the pancreas.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can acute pancreatitis turn into pancreatic cancer?

Acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are two diseases that occur in the same organ, the pancreas. However, acute pancreatitis is entirely an inflammatory change, often caused by gallstones, alcohol consumption, binge eating, and hyperlipidemia, with some cases being idiopathic. Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, is a tumorous lesion and is a malignant tumor that generally requires surgery. Many pancreatic cancer patients are already in the advanced stages when discovered, making the surgery difficult to perform. The prognosis for patients is also completely different. After the onset of acute pancreatitis and treatment, the pancreas recovers, the inflammation subsides, and it does not affect a person's lifespan. However, if pancreatic cancer is clearly diagnosed, the lifespan oftentimes does not extend beyond a few years.