Pancreatic Cancer: Causes, Types and Treatment Cost in India

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that ranks as one of the most deadly cancers today among men and women in the world. It targets the pancreas, which is responsible for digestion, and has one of the worst five-year survival rates. The biggest problem with pancreatic cancer is that it is often undetected until later stages, due to usually mild symptoms that can easily be ignored. This leads to the patient receiving medical treatment too late. 

Doctors don't know the exact cause of pancreatic cancer, but studies have found that smoking, family history of cancer, and obesity can increase your chances of developing pancreatic cancer. For an individual diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the emotional burden can be beyond measure. Many people are unaware of the health implications for their health, the types of pancreatic cancer that exist or the treatments available. 

In addition to the emotional burden, there is the cost of treatment, which can range from Rs 5 lakh to upwards of Rs 20 lakh in India, adding more stress to already-stretched finances. 

Hopefully, patients will remember that even if they suspect pancreatic cancer, they can still find some hope and strength. If caught in the early stages, the patient may become eligible for treatment, therapy, a specialised diet, and sometimes be given the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. Patients may experience a chance of fighting pancreatic cancer with dignity, clarity, and some peace, with hope still present. With all the correct measures in place, patients will fight their disease not just with strength and courage, but with amazing determination that will help them get through the process.
 

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas. It plays a significant role in digestion and controlling blood sugar levels. The most commonly found type is exocrine pancreatic cancer, which has an immediate effect on the hormone-producing cells. The major problems people face with this health condition are its complications and detection. This cancer is often challenging to spot because the symptoms are not easily noticeable, resulting in diagnosis at a later stage.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is generally classified into two main types.

Exocrine Tumours

Exocrine tumours are the more common type of pancreatic cancer. They originate within the cells that provide enzymes to assist with digestion. Exocrine tumours tend to be an aggressive form of cancer and are nearly always diagnosed in later stages, as they typically grow so rapidly that the symptoms are either absent or confusing. These tumours leave us with feelings of helplessness, urgency, and a variety of other emotions. 

Neuroendocrine Tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETS) are relatively rare and can be either functioning or non-functioning. Functioning NETs produce extra hormones that lead to symptoms, whereas non-functioning NETs produce additional hormones, but the symptoms normally presented are absent (or absent at stage). While NETs are less common, we take the same approach in our treatment choice. The vague nature of NETs can be difficult to manage emotionally, but having information on the type is paramount to choosing the most appropriate treatment. 

The diagnosis of a form of pancreatic cancer is difficult to manage. However, both types are curable if treated appropriately and in a timely manner. With understanding, we can lead families through a difficult journey as they seek to understand a particular type of cancer. 

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Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are rare and often don’t show up until late in many patients. If these symptoms are caught early, they can often lead to better detection and treatment outcomes.

• Pain in the abdomen that goes to the back may be a red flag. It may mean pancreatitis or something else in the GI tract.
• A decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss may be suggestive of some serious health issues, including pancreatic cancer.
• Jaundice, where the skin and eyes are yellow, may indicate liver issues or issues in the bile duct, which may be associated with having cancer.
• If you notice your stools are pale colored like clay, there may be problems with the flow of bile or how the liver is functioning.
• If your urine is dark in colour, it may suggest elevated levels of bilirubin in the body, which is frequently connected to liver or bile duct issues.
• Persistent itching may also occur if there is liver disease or a blockage in the bile duct.
• The presence of abnormal blood clots in the body may also be a symptom. If the clotting can increase health risks, it may be related to clotting disorders or may be the result of some other underlying disease, such as cancer.

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Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is still unknown, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it. These include smoking, a family history of the disease, genetic changes, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and obesity. As the cancer progresses, it can lead to a range of complications, such as weight loss, jaundice caused by a blockage in the bile ducts, pain from the tumour pressing on nearby nerves, bowel obstruction if the tumour presses on the small intestine, and new or worsening diabetes.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer early is crucial but challenging. It may involve imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs, blood tests for tumour markers, biopsies for examination, and genetic testing for hereditary links.

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Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

The way pancreatic cancer is treated depends on its stage and where it's located. Let's talk about the treatment options:

• Surgery: Surgeons consider removing the head of the pancreas, part of the intestine, gallbladder and bile duct if the cancer hasn't spread beyond the pancreas. This intricate procedure aims to eliminate the tumour and nearby tissues.
• Chemotherapy: In cancer treatment, medications are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It's often given before or after surgery or when surgery isn't an option.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer uses high-energy rays to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumours. It can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy as part of the treatment plan.
• Targeted Therapy: Specific drugs target and attack cancer cells without harming others in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer. These treatments focus on mutations or unique features of the cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: The immune system is boosted to detect and fight cancer cells in immunotherapy for cancer treatment. It can be used alone or alongside treatments to combat the disease. 

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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The pancreatic cancer treatment cost varies depending on the stage:

• Surgery (Rs 3-10 Lakh): This includes hospital charges and expenses, which differ based on the complexity of procedures like organ or tumour removal.
• Chemotherapy (Rs 50,000 - 1.5 Lakh per cycle): The prices for chemotherapy treatments are determined by factors such as the type of medication, dosage and number of cycles required; health insurance plans often cover these costs.
• Radiation Therapy (Rs 1-3 Lakh): This treatment involves targeting cancer cells with high-energy beams; the cost varies based on the number of sessions required and facility charges.
• Targeted Therapy (Rs 2-5 Lakh): Drugs that target specific cancer cells are used; treatment costs vary according to the drug's efficacy and the length of treatment.

How can a Personal Loan Assist with Your Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

Personal Loans from Hero FinCorp can provide instant financial support for covering the costs of pancreatic cancer treatment. They can offer instant loan amounts of up to Rs 5 Lakh without collateral, flexible repayment tenures.

Here are the steps to apply for a Personal Loan online:

Step 1- Visit the Hero FinCorp website or install the Hero FinCorp Instant Personal Loan App from the Play Store

Step 2- Choose the loan amount and preferred EMI

Step 3- Enter the required details

Step 4- Complete your KYC process

Step 5- Input your bank account details

Step 6- Get real-time approval of the loan

Step 7- Digitally sign the e-Mandate and loan agreement

Step 8- Receive the loan amount in your account within 48 hours

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Conclusion

Thorough treatment is essential for pancreatic cancer. Recognising the symptoms, causes and treatment choices is crucial to effectively managing the illness. Explore the option of a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp for hassle-free financial support for cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pancreatic cancer be fully cured?

Early-stage pancreatic cancer can be cured with complete surgical removal.

Can I live without a pancreas?

Yes, but it requires lifelong management of diabetes and regular use of enzyme supplements.

Does pancreatic cancer spread fast?

Yes, pancreatic cancer tends to spread rapidly.

Is pancreatic cancer painful?

Pain is a common symptom, especially in advanced stages.

How much do 6 cycles of chemo cost?

The cost of 6 chemotherapy cycles in India ranges from Rs 72,000 to Rs 6 lakhs, varying by drug type, hospital, and cancer stage.

What is the price of pancreatic cancer surgery?

Pancreatic cancer surgery (e.g., Whipple procedure) costs between Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 7 lakhs in India, depending on complexity and hospital.

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