05/01/2023 1

Michelle FlanaganHS200-06

Unit 8 ProjectKaplan UniversitySeptember 27, 2011

 

    

Pancreatic Cancer The Silent Killer

05/01/2023 2

What is Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a silent disease which leaves it difficult to detect. Once the cancer is detected

it has already progressed and immediate treatment is necessary in order to increase a person’s

chance of survival. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer and it is important that

everyone has knowledge of treatments available for the cancer, pharmaceutical and surgical

procedures related to the cancer, prognosis, patient teaching involving the cancer, and legal or

ethical issues regarding prognosis.

05/01/2023 3

Signs and Symptoms Weight loss

Juandice (yellow skin)

Dark urine

Light stool color

Itching

Nausea

Vomiting

Back pain

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

05/01/2023 4

Functions

The two major functions of the pancreas are

to produce enzymes to help digest food and

produce hormones to regulate the body's

use of sugar(Medicine.net, 2009)

05/01/2023 5

Treatments for pancreatic cancer and surgical proceduresTreating pancreatic cancer is very important because a patient left untreated could possibly

die because the cancer is very aggressive. Also, “treatments for pancreatic cancer depends on

the stage of the cancer, location of the cancer, the age of the person, and the health of the

patient.” (Mayo clinic staff, 2011). ). “Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and

clinical trials are all treatment options for pancreatic cancer.” (Mayo clinic staff, 2011). Having

different forms of therapies to treat pancreatic cancer is great because it allows the doctor to have

different ways to eliminate the cancer. However there are surgeries that treat pancreatic cancer

such as pancreatoduodenectomy, or a pancreatectomy. (Mayo clinic staff, 2011). “Angiogenesis

inhibitors , and pancreatic cancer vaccines are drugs used to treat and prevent pancreatic cancer.”

(Mayo clinic staff, 2011).

05/01/2023 6

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses high-

powered radiation to damage cancer cells

and stop them from growing.

(Medicine.net, 2009).

05/01/2023 7

Prognosis of Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a very difficult disease and even with surgical removal of the tumors the risk of it returning

and subsequent death remains high. (Nugent, 2011). This form of cancer has to be taken seriously because it

can take a person’s life quickly because it is a silent cancer. Yearly physicals are important because physicians

can tell if his or her patients have pancreatic cancer through signs and symptoms. “Only twenty percent of

patients undergoing a Whipple procedure for curable pancreatic cancer live five years, with the rest surviving

an average less than two years.” (Nugent, 2011). Also “for patients with incurable pancreatic cancer survival

is shorter; typically it is measured in months.” (Nugent, 2011). Unfortunately, “with metastatic disease (stage iv)

the average survival is just over six months.” (Nugent, 2011). Doctors nationwide are working hard to improve

treatments for this disease but progress has been difficult to come by. (Nugent, 2011).

05/01/2023 8

Pancreatic cancer image “This abdominal CT scan shows a pancreatic

adenocarcinoma (mass) causing obstruction of

both the common bile duct (cbd) and pancreatic

duct (pd). (Medicine.net, 2009).

05/01/2023 9

Patient teaching

Pancreatic cancer is a very sad disease and it can be greatly reduced. Smoking doubles a person chance of

of getting pancreatic cancer. (Metcalf, 2011). Smoking actually increases the risk of multiple cancers which is

why people should not smoke. “Exercise and diet, having pancreatitis, and having type two diabetes all

Increases a person chance of getting pancreatic cancer.” (Metcalf, 2011). If a person lives a healthy lifestyle,

eats healthy foods, incorporate exercise into daily his or her routine, reduce the amount of alcohol he or she

drinks, and have knowledge of family health history the chances of getting pancreatic cancer will be greatly

reduced. (Metcalf, 2011). Learn what you need to know about your illness, assemble a support system, find

Someone to talk with, connect with other cancer survivors, come to terms with your illness, and consider

hospice. (Mayo clinic staff, 2011).

05/01/2023 10

Smoking and Pancreatic cancerPlease try not to smoke Smokers

Smokers are three to four times more likely

than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer.

(Medicine.net, 2009).

05/01/2023 11

Nursing Assistant RoleProvide emotional supportTaking care of daily ADLsListen to the residentRespect residents privacy and independenceTake vital signsAssist with needed dressingsProvide skin careEmpty bedpans/urinalsKeep the room tidyReport changes in appetite Report sleep changes Report changes in skin color or conditionReport emotional changes (crying, depression, feeling of hopelessness)Establish good communication with the residentTouch is very important

05/01/2023 12

ReferencesMayo clinic staff. (2011). Treatment and drugs. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/.../pancreatic_ cancer/…/DSection=treatments

Nugent, F. (2011). Pancreatic Cancer. Retrieved from http:// www.medicinenet.com › ... › cancer az list › pancreatic cancer index

Metcalf, E. (2011). Pancreatic Cancer: What are the risk factors. Retreived from http://www.en.over-blog.com /How_toreduce_your_risk_of_pancreatic_cancer_1228321774_art400260.html

Medicine.net.(2009). Pancreatic Cancer Picture Slide Show. Retreived from http: www.medicinenet.com ›

home › cancer center › cancer az list