How is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most fatal diseases in Singapore. This aggressive cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the tissues of the pancreas.

Identifying and treating this growth as early as possible is crucial to prevent its spread to nearby structures or distant organs. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early, as symptoms often appear late or go unnoticed until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be very subtle, especially in its early stages. However, potential symptoms to watch out for include:

• Persistent abdominal or back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in stool (light-colored, greasy, or floating)

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, making proper medical evaluation crucial. For a definitive diagnosis, it is always best to consult a specialist.

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer is extremely challenging, yet early detection is crucial for determining the most effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. The cancer can be detected through:

Pancreatic cancer staging involves assessing the tumour's size and how far the cancer has spread within the body. This staging is essential for guiding treatment options and predicting the prognosis.

The staging systems for pancreatic cancer include:

• Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found only in the lining of the pancreatic ducts. This is sometimes called carcinoma in situ.
• Stage 1: The tumour is limited only to the pancreas and is no bigger than 4 cm across.
• Stage 2: The cancer may have spread to nearby tissues or to a small number (1 to 3) of nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: The tumour has spread to more lymph nodes (4 or more) and/or involves nearby major blood vessels or nerves. Surgery may still be an option in some cases, depending on the extent of involvement.
• Stage 4: The cancer has reached distant organs of the body, such as the liver, lungs or abdominal lining.

Consult our pancreatic cancer surgeons for an accurate diagnosis and staging. We're here to support you with personalised, expert care every step of the way.

The treatment of pancreatic cancer may vary depending on which part is affected, as well as the stage of the disease. Options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery offers the best chance of cure in early-stage pancreatic cancer.
  • Whipple Procedure: This is a complex operation that removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach.
  • Distal Pancreatectomy & Splenectomy: This surgery is performed to remove the body of the pancreas and the tail along with the spleen.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Chemotherapy can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. It may be used alongside chemotherapy or to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
• Immunotherapy: This approach boosts the body's immune response to help it recognise and fight cancer. While not a standard treatment for most pancreatic cancers, it may be considered in select cases with certain genetic features.
• Palliative Care: For patients with advanced or inoperable pancreatic cancer, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. A specialised team provides support for both patients and their families.

Pancreatic cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early; however, symptoms often appear only in later stages, when the disease has already progressed. This presents a significant challenge for diagnosis, leading to delays that can reduce the chances of successful treatment.

If you believe you are at risk, please contact us for an early evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Early medical attention is crucial to improve outcomes.