What does pancreatic cancer ascites mean?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 19, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
39sec home-news-image

Reasons for the low resection rate of pancreatic cancer

The resection rate for pancreatic cancer is relatively low because the pancreas is located behind the peritoneum in a deep position. In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are often no specific clinical symptoms. Therefore, by the time pancreatic cancer is detected in patients, it is usually already in the advanced stages. The pancreas is surrounded by blood vessels and nerves. Therefore, if it is found in the late stage, the surgical difficulty is very high, making it difficult to remove surgically, which is why the surgical resection rate for pancreatic cancer is low.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
49sec home-news-image

What department should pancreatic cancer patients see?

For the treatment of pancreatic cancer, if it is in the early stages and the surgeons assess that surgery is feasible, surgical treatment is the main approach. If surgery is not feasible according to the surgeon's assessment, or if the cancer is found at an advanced stage without the opportunity for surgery, then the treatment involves chemotherapy or some symptomatic supportive treatments. Therefore, patients at their first consultation should initially visit the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery to see if surgery is possible, and then consult the Department of Oncology for further treatment steps, especially for patients who do not have the opportunity for surgery, who need to visit the Department of Oncology.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
1min 16sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 1sec home-news-image

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.