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

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 10, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
1min 10sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The clinical manifestations of pancreatic cancer mainly depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, whether there is metastasis, and the involvement of adjacent organs. The clinical characteristics include a short disease course, rapid progression, and swift deterioration. The most common symptom is upper abdominal distension and discomfort, pain, though not all patients experience tenderness; if tenderness is present, it aligns with the area of pain felt. Pain is a primary symptom of pancreatic cancer, present whether the cancer is located in the head or the body/tail of the pancreas. Jaundice is a main symptom of cancer in the head of the pancreas, and patients often exhibit more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, most commonly loss of appetite, followed by nausea and vomiting. There might also be diarrhea or constipation, even melena. Diarrhea is often steatorrhea. In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, common symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 19sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
57sec home-news-image

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice. During physical examination, a mass in the upper abdomen can be felt, which is a common symptom. When these symptoms appear, further abdominal ultrasound or CT scans should be performed, as these two are the most commonly used imaging methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, pancreatic MRI or PET-CT can also help enhance the diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic cancer. MRCP and ERCP are also used to assess the bile ducts and to evaluate the feasibility of surgery. Blood tests for pancreatic cancer-related tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9, are commonly performed, with CA19-9 being particularly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
50sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
50sec home-news-image

What are some symptoms of early pancreatic cancer?

Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer generally do not exhibit many symptoms, as the tumors are relatively small. Clinically, many patients may experience intermittent mild abdominal pain that does not affect their daily lives. A small number of early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms of general fatigue, mild loss of appetite, nausea, mild acid reflux, or other symptoms of indigestion. Additionally, a few patients in the early stages may experience intermittent episodes of diarrhea. Because these symptoms are not distinctive, patients rarely seek medical attention early. When symptoms like significant epigastric pain and jaundice become apparent, it often indicates that the pancreatic cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage.