Do you consider “why pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect”? What are the medical points of early detection of the pancreas as told by experts?
Pancreatic cancer is known in the medical world as a cancer that is often detected late. It often progresses without any symptoms, and small cancers are difficult to detect even with imaging tests. In this article, Dr. Sawano of AIC Yaesu Clinic provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the medical reasons why pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early, as well as methods of prevention.
Supervisiondoctor:
Seishi Sawano(AIC Yaesu Clinic)
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After graduating from Nippon Medical School, he engaged in radiation therapy and cancer treatment. He served as chief radiologist at Nippon Medical University Hospital, and served as deputy director of the radiology department at Cancer Research Association Hospital (currently Cancer Research Association Ariake Hospital). Director and Chairman of the AIC Yaesu Clinic. He also serves as the director of the AIC Imaging Center and is working on the clinical application and dissemination of advanced diagnostic imaging technology. We are focusing on early detection of cancer using modalities such as MRI, CT, PET-CT, and mammography, as well as image diagnosis of the area around the pancreas and liver. Holds the qualification of a diagnostic radiologist from the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology.
Why is pancreatic cancer so difficult to detect?
Editorial department
First, please tell me what the pancreas is.
Mr. Sawano
The pancreas is an organ located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, and is relatively flat, approximately 15 cm long but 10 to 30 mm thick, and is difficult to find from the outside. The organ also produces powerful digestive juices (pancreatic juice) that break down food, and also produces hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar levels, making it an essential organ for maintaining both digestion and metabolism.
Editorial department
I heard that the biggest reason why pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect is that there are no symptoms. Is that true?
Mr. Sawano
That’s right. This is the most interesting part. The pancreas is called a “silent organ,” and even if a tumor develops, there are almost no symptoms in the early stages. Cancer is silently progressing inside the body without the patient feeling anything. When the duct becomes large enough to put pressure on the pancreas and surrounding organs. By that point, most things are already underway. It is likely that a considerable amount of time has passed before symptoms such as back pain, jaundice, or indigestion appear.
Editorial department
Also, for what reasons is it right to detect pancreatic cancer early?
Mr. Sawano
The pancreas is deeply curved, flat, and surrounded by the stomach and intestines, making it difficult to see in images. Even with CT, MRI, and ultrasound examinations, it is difficult to reliably detect cancers smaller than 5 mm. Since there are many tumors, it takes even doctors time to distinguish whether it is cancerous or benign.
What happens if you get caught?
Editorial department
Do treatment outcomes vary greatly depending on the “stage” of pancreatic cancer?
Mr. Sawano
If you look at the data, the difference is over time.
Editorial department
Is pancreatic cancer still said to have a worse prognosis than other cancers?
Mr. Sawano
As mentioned above, pancreatic cancer is often discovered at an advanced stage, so it is said that it is often highly malignant. Furthermore, because the cancer is in contact with large blood vessels, it is often difficult to treat it with anti-cancer drugs, although it is difficult to consider it completely with surgery. Additionally, patients often lose weight and physical strength over a period of time, which limits the amount of time they have to endure treatment.
Editorial department
Is it true that even experts overlook things?
Mr. Sawano
Unfortunately, this is the true diagnosis. Test results for pancreatic cancer need to be evaluated comprehensively, so they are largely dependent on the experience and knowledge of the doctor. For example, when a small shadow is seen on the pancreas, the doctor must decide whether it is cancerous or benign. Sometimes the judgment is different. In addition, there are cases in which patients do not undergo regular follow-up because they think they are fine because they have no symptoms.
Prevention and early detection actions you can take now
Editorial department
Please tell me about the characteristics of people who are more likely to get pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Sawano
Pancreatic cancer is not a disease that suddenly occurs, and there are several distinct risks. As a typical example, smoking increases the risk of pancreatitis by 3 to 4 times compared to non-smokers, and drinking a large amount of alcohol also increases the risk of developing pancreatitis. Obesity is also a risk factor, and the higher your body mass index (BMI), the more likely you are to have pancreatic cancer.You should also be careful if you have diabetes, especially if you have been diagnosed recently. Furthermore, those with a parent or sibling who have had pancreatic cancer, or those with chronic pancreatitis, are at significantly increased risk.
Editorial department
Are there any signs of pancreatic cancer in a general medical examination?
Mr. Sawano
Since detailed examinations of the pancreas are not included in regular medical examinations, it is important to undergo tests specific to the pancreas for early detection. Ultrasound examination is a simple method with little stress on the body, but it may make it difficult to see parts of the pancreas. MRI scans are relatively easy to detect small lesions even without contrast. Although endoscopic ultrasound has limited application, it can evaluate the condition of the pancreas most precisely.
Editorial department
If I develop symptoms that suggest pancreatic cancer, which department should I consult?
Mr. Sawano
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, please consult an internal medicine or gastroenterologist. Symptoms to look out for include slight back pain, jaundice, weight loss during this period, greasy stools or indigestion, and spikes in blood sugar levels. Don’t assume that just because you don’t have symptoms, you’re safe; if you’re at risk or over 50 years old, be sure to get regular checkups once a year.
Editorial department summary
Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer that is located deep within the body, causes symptoms, and progresses quickly. Therefore, although many advanced conditions are diagnosed, it is not a temporary “missing disease.” By knowing the risks and undergoing regular examinations, you can definitely determine the possibility of early detection.
Clinic information
AIC Yaesu Clinic
| location | 2-1-18 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| Medical subject | Radiology |
| Medical hours | Mon-Sat 8:40-21:00 Sundays and holidays 8:40-18:00 *Courses available every hour and day of the week/Confirmation by phone required |
| Closed days | Sundays/holidays |