The pancreas is a large gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. It is located behind the lower part of the stomach and the enzymes it creates help digest food and the hormones help manage blood sugar.
The pancreas, like most organs in her human body, can form tumors. A major problem in fighting the disease is the lack of screening tests to detect it at an early stage. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis and genetic predisposition
Pancreatic cancer is among the most serious cancers. It requires specialized medical care and intensive research. Research centres play a key role in the fight against this disease.
Among the leading centers in this field worldwide are:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. It is a world leader in pancreatic cancer research and treatment. Its specialists are working hard to develop new and more effective therapies.
Another research centre located in Europe is the Institute of Cancer Research in London. It is number one on the continent in pancreatic cancer research and analysis. It has developed innovative methods for early diagnosis that could significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Pancreatic cancer research is being carried outin Bulgaria at the Medical University of Sofia. Research is focused on developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
There are pancreatic cancer research centres all over the world and their role is crucial. These are the places where new and more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment are developed on the basis of studies and trials. Thanks to their work, more and more people will be able to beat this insidious diseasein the future.
Pancreatic cancer is extremely dangerous because of its tendency to develop and spread without clear symptoms, to an advanced stage. For men and women over 45, this type of cancer poses a serious risk.
Early detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. When symptoms do appear, diagnosis becomes relatively easy. Unfortunately, at this stage, treatment is now more complicated. This is why one of the main goals for scientists is to develop a scientific methodology for the early detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is suspected when a patient experiences weeks or months of symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain and jaundice.
When these symptoms are present the doctor tries to determine their cause based on:
- Medical history
Here, the specialist questions the person about their family history, clarifies whether they have a genetic predisposition to develop pancreatic cancer and examines the person to look for signs of the disease.
- Physical examination
The doctor checks the skin and eyes to see if they are yellow, which is a sign of jaundice. Jaundice may be the result of a tumor in the head of the pancreas. The doctor palpates the abdomen for changes caused by the cancer, although the pancreas itself, located at the back of the upper abdomen, is rarely palpated. Abdominal distention, resulting from the accumulation of freely mobile fluid in the abdominal cavity, is also a possible sign of pancreatic cancer.
- Laboratory tests
The results of blood sample analysis in a specialized laboratory may indicate the presence of tumor growths.
Based on medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, the doctor may also order imaging tests. These include:
CT scans
A three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body is created using X-rays at different angles. The computer combines the images created into a detailed cross-section and shows any abnormalities or tumors and their sizes. In some cases, a special dye called a contrast agent is injected into the patient's body to achieve a better and more detailed image quality. Many pancreatic cancer treatment centers use a special CT scan method called the CT-pancreatic protocol, which identifies where the tumor is in relation to nearby organs and vessels. The results of this test can help decide if the tumor can be removed with surgery.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is an advanced technology that uses a large magnet and radiofrequency waves. MRI makes it possible to obtain detailed images of the structure of the pancreas and surrounding tissues, to identify pathological processes, tumor and inflammatory changes. MRI of the pancreas is a highly informative method for proving and staging pancreatic cancer.
- Ultrasound
Non-invasive sound waves reflected from the abdominal organs create images that can help establish a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
- Positron emission tomography
In this, radioactive glucose is injected into the blood and absorbed by cancer cells. This analysis can help determine the extent of cancer in the body. If imaging studies find a mass in the pancreas, this is very likely to be the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
- Biopsy
This is an examination that is performed under colposcopic control and is the taking of a small tissue sample from a potentially affected area. The purpose of the examination is to assess the severity, histologically the extent of tissue changes and the appropriate treatment. In this way, a definitive diagnosis can be made.
The invention of innovative medical technology, the development of treatment protocols and actionable tests and drugs require large investments in research, experimentation, studies and testing. That is why it is important to financially support research centres studying pancreatic cancer. This can be done by:
Anyone can start a charity campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG donation platform. Every campaign launched in support of the research centers mobilizes the community, draws public attention to the problems in pancreatic cancer treatment and accumulates financial resources. In this way, we accelerate progress in the search for effective treatments and support the research centers that are working hard to save lives.
Start your own campaign or make a donation.
The PavelAndreev.ORG donation platform enjoys international support, a multinational donor community and thousands of successful campaigns. PavelAndreev.ORG has a high public trust rating. The platform provides an efficient, fast and easy way to support people in need and socially important causes, such as fundraising for research centers working in the field of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment research.
The PavelAndreev.ORG website provides convenient and easy-to-use tools and features to track a campaign you have started or donated to. Donors are made as easy as possible: they can choose between 6 payment methods (PayPal, bank card, ApplePay, Revolut, GooglePay and IBAN account) to make their donations. Using the platform is completely free. If someone wants to support it, they do so of their own free will and desire.
What exactly can the funds raised from a donation campaign in support of apancreatic cancer research centre beused for ?
1. Help cover the costs of research, analysis and studies;
2. Financial assistance to cover the cost of medical examinations and procedures that are necessary in pancreatic cancer research;
3. For the purchase of equipment;
4. To establish resource centers and online platforms that provide information, on the latest discoveries and innovations regarding early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Financial support for pancreatic cancer research centres has a crucial role to play in advancing the fight against this deadly disease, as they develop new therapies that increase patients' life chances. Donations are often major sources of funding for their work. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and support research centres working in the field of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment research by launching a campaign or donating funds.
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