Cancer of the pancreatic body

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64 year old male patient presented with abdominal and back pain for 6 months, anorexia, loss of weight and new onset uncontrolled diabetes. During investigations for the same, PET-CT showed a 2cm tumor in the body of pancreas in a very tricky location (between important artery supplying the spleen and the vein draining towards liver. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided biopsy confirmed it as a pancreatic cancer.

Since the tumor was resectable and there were no metastasis (spread), patient was immediately operated without wasting further time. Prior to surgery patient & family were explained in great detail about the nature / extent of surgery (radical pancreatosplenectomy – removal of part of pancreas, surrounding draining lymph nodes & attached spleen as a one continuous specimen), possible perioperative complications / risk, duration of stay, expenses & a possibility of postoperative chemotherapy need. Also patient was vaccinated prior to surgery for avoiding infections after splenectomy. The diabetes was controlled with insulin and then patient underwent a radical pancreatosplenectomy. Patient did well after surgery and was discharged on 7^th day.

The histopathology proved that the tumor was removed in entirety along with nodal tissue. Based on the final pathological stage of disease, it was decided to give adjuvant chemotherapy. A chemoport was placed for the same and chemotherapy was started 4 weeks after the surgery.

For detailed information on pancreatic cancer, please click here.

Important points about cancer of pancreatic body:

1. Like any other pancreatic cancer, this is mostly detected in late stage with distant spread i.e. when it cannot be cured by surgery.
2. The important features are unexplained sudden weight loss, abdominal / back pain & labile / fluctuating diabetes.
3. Often surround important blood vessels making surgery impossible.
4. Surgery is the only curative treatment when possible. Other palliative treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pain management and pancreatic enzyme supplements.