Pancreatic and Gastric Cancer Treatment in La Jolla
Among the many types of cancer that the oncologists at Surgical Associates of La Jolla are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat are pancreatic cancer and gastric (stomach) cancer. Patients from La Jolla, North County, and other San Diego communities who are experiencing symptoms of either type of cancer are encouraged to contact our practice today to schedule a private consultation with one of our oncologists.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the type of cancer that affects the pancreas and is regarded by many doctors as one of the most dangerous types of cancer. The development of cancerous cells often interferes with the normal function of the pancreas, which is to create the pancreatic juices that help the body break down food and absorb nutrients. Patients with an affected pancreas can suffer a host of complications and debilitations, including dramatic weight loss and malnutrition. Pancreatic cancer also has a high chance of metastasizing, or spreading from one organ to another because of the aggressive nature of this disease.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages rarely produces any noticeable symptoms. Accordingly, it is very important for anyone who experiences one or more of these symptoms to be tested for pancreatic cancer by our oncologists by visiting our La Jolla, North County, and San Diego-serving practice.
As the pancreatic tumor grows, one or more of the following symptoms may become increasingly apparent:
- Reduced Appetite and Weight Loss – Like many other forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer often leads to unanticipated weight loss. Cancerous cells tend to deplete surrounding healthy cells of vital nutrients, a dangerous process that is especially prominent in victims of pancreatic cancer.
- Pain in the Upper Abdomen – The pancreas is located between the stomach and the spine, deep in the recesses of the abdomen. In more advanced cases of pancreatic cancer, the tumor or tumors can press against surrounding organs, causing abdominal pain that can spread to the back. The pain may intensify when eating or lying down. Because abdominal pain is a common symptom of many types of cancer and not just pancreatic cancer, the pain should be described to our La Jolla surgical oncologists in the most detailed manner possible.
- Jaundice – Nearly 50 percent of people suffering from pancreatic cancer exhibit signs of jaundice, which include yellowed eyes and skin, as well as darker-colored urine. This is a result of this aggressive disease affecting the bile duct and liver.
- Digestion Problems – This symptom stems directly from the inability of the pancreas to function properly; patients may find it difficult to digest foods, especially high-fat foods.
- Nausea – An advanced pancreatic tumor may be positioned in a way that blocks the duodenum, leading to vomiting and nausea.
Who is at risk for pancreatic cancer?
Whereas cancer can affect nearly anyone, regardless of how many health precautions he or she takes, pancreatic cancer does tend to occur more often in people with certain traits.
Black men and women run a greater risk of becoming victims of pancreatic cancer than those of other races. Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than non-smokers, while high levels of alcohol consumption can also heighten the risk. People whose diet consists mostly of animal fats and few fruits or vegetables, as well as those who are overweight or obese, also run a higher chance of being affected by pancreatic cancer. Lastly, people who already suffer hereditary pancreatitis have a greater chance of developing pancreatic cancer.
If you fit into any of these categories and have experienced one or more of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, contact our practice, located conveniently for North County and San Diego metro area patients, today.
How is it treated?
Pancreatic cancer is typically curable only if it is discovered in its earliest stages, a difficulty given that symptoms tend not to become recognizable until the cancer has progressed. Our oncologists will take into account many factors, including the level of development, size of the tumor, and extent of metastasization, in devising the most effective treatment plan possible.
In treating pancreatic cancer, our physicians may suggest one or a combination of options, including:
- Surgery – If the cancer has not spread beyond the pancreas, surgery to remove parts or all of the pancreas may be the best treatment option.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy may be used to damage the cancerous cells, in effect stunting any further growth or spreading.
- Chemotherapy – For patients who have a highly developed case of pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy may serve as the best possible option. Though chemotherapy can not completely cure the patient of the cancer, it may be able to slow the progression of the tumor and improve his or her quality of life.
- HIPEC – HIPEC, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, is an innovative development in cancer treatments that may be able to help pancreatic cancer patients more effectively than other, more traditional methods.
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Stomach cancer, otherwise known as gastric cancer, can develop in any part of the stomach, though 85 percent of stomach cancer cases occur in the stomach lining. Like pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer has a chance of metastasizing to nearby organs, such as the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, peritoneum, and lungs.
What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?
As is the case with some cancers, including pancreatic cancer, symptoms of the cancer tend to become evident only after the disease has spread beyond the initial stages. These symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Vomiting and nausea
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Earlier satiety
Who is at risk for gastric cancer?
A single cause of or trigger for the development of gastric cancer has yet to be discovered. However, there are certain risk factors that have been found to be closely related to the occurrence of stomach cancer.
People over the age of 55 are more likely to develop gastric cancer than those who are younger. Twice as many males as females are diagnosed with stomach cancer, while African Americans are at greatest risk of developing this disease. Various studies have found that people who are or have been infected with the helicobacter pylori bacteria have a higher chance of being affected with gastric cancer.
How is it treated?
Treatment for gastric cancer will depend wholly on each patient's unique condition, including the size and location of the tumor, the degree to which the tumor has developed, and the patient's general health. Treatment plans may call for one of more of the following options, many of which are similar to treatments for pancreatic cancer:
- Surgery – Gastric cancer surgery requires a surgeon to remove the affected section of the stomach in a procedure known as a gastrectomy. In some cases, the entire stomach must be removed. Our surgeons specialize in creating a stomach pouch from the small intestine to improve the quality of life of patients who need their stomachs completely removed.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy can be utilized to stunt the growth and spread of cancerous cells.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy may be used to shrink the size of the existing stomach tumor before it is removed surgically. It may also be used after gastric cancer surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells.
- HIPEC – A state-of-the-art treatment that can be used for most cancers infecting the abdominal organs, HIPEC, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, is the most effective option for some patients.
Contact Our Practice – Serving North County and San Diego
The oncologists at our practice are experienced at identifying, diagnosing, and finding the best possible treatment for both gastric and pancreatic cancer. Patients from La Jolla, North County, and the rest of San Diego who have experienced any of the symptoms of either type of cancer should contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla today to schedule a screening, especially if they fall under any of the high-risk categories.
To view this, you need to install the Flash Player 9. Please go to here and download it.
To learn more about gastric or pancreatic cancer, please contact our North County San Diego office, located in La Jolla, and schedule an appointment.
Surgical Associates of La Jolla
Dr. Paul Hyde
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097
La Jolla Weight Management
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097
To view this, you need to install the Flash Player 9. Please go to here and download it.
Surgical Associates of La Jolla