What does pancreatic cancer ascites mean?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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When pancreatic cancer causes ascites, particularly a large amount, we can collect the ascites to search for cancer cells. This generally indicates peritoneal metastasis, or metastasis above the liver which can also cause substantial ascites. In such cases, it typically signifies that the disease has progressed to a late stage, classified as stage IV. Patients in this category are unable to undergo surgery and their treatment primarily involves chemotherapy. If the patient's overall condition is good, chemotherapy can be chosen. If the patient's condition is relatively poor, targeted therapy or oral anti-angiogenesis medications may be selected to control the pancreatic cancer and manage the tumor. If the patient's condition is particularly poor, the approach involves placing a peritoneal drainage tube to remove the ascites and providing the best possible symptomatic supportive care.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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What are the abnormalities in blood indicators for pancreatic cancer?

Blood markers for pancreatic cancer often show multiple abnormalities. Pancreatic cancer itself can lead to an increase in related tumor markers. The two most common markers are carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, especially carbohydrate antigen 19-9, which has a certain specificity. If pancreatic cancer progresses further, leading to compression of the biliary system, corresponding jaundice indicators can increase. This includes an increase in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin, as well as alkaline phosphatase and gamma-GTP. The most common metastasis site for pancreatic cancer is the liver, and after liver metastasis occurs, corresponding liver transaminases can increase.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What does pancreatic cancer ascites mean?

When pancreatic cancer causes ascites, particularly a large amount, we can collect the ascites to search for cancer cells. This generally indicates peritoneal metastasis, or metastasis above the liver which can also cause substantial ascites. In such cases, it typically signifies that the disease has progressed to a late stage, classified as stage IV. Patients in this category are unable to undergo surgery and their treatment primarily involves chemotherapy. If the patient's overall condition is good, chemotherapy can be chosen. If the patient's condition is relatively poor, targeted therapy or oral anti-angiogenesis medications may be selected to control the pancreatic cancer and manage the tumor. If the patient's condition is particularly poor, the approach involves placing a peritoneal drainage tube to remove the ascites and providing the best possible symptomatic supportive care.

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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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What causes pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive system whose incidence has gradually increased in recent years. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unclear, but there are several factors that can increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer: 1. Age factor: Statistical data shows that the incidence of pancreatic cancer increases with age. 2. Dietary factors: Clinical research data confirms that some poor eating habits, such as consuming too much high-fat and animal protein, can significantly increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer. 3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: People who smoke heavily and drink alcohol over a long period have a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to the general population. 4. Other benign pancreatic diseases, such as diabetes: Statistical data indicates that among diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, there is a slight increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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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.