Pancreatic+Cancer+BH

-Pancreatic Cancer-

The __**Pancreas**__ is a spongy like organ (gland), about 6 inches long. It stretches across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas releases **pancreatic juices**(enzymes that help digest food in the small intestine), **hormones** ( which hep the body use or store the energy that comes from food), including **insulin**(controls the amount of sugar in the blood) The pancreas in known as a COMPOUND GLAND (composed of exocrine and endocrine tissues)

__**Pancreatic Cancer**__ is a malignant tumor within the pancreatic gland.


 * Each Year 33,000 individuals within the United states alone are diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer.
 * The survival rate for this cancer is extremely low.
 * Few victims are still alive five years after diagnosis.
 * Complete remission is extremely rare.

Over all conclusion: pancreatic cancer is extremely serious


 * Where does it start?**
 * Most pancreatic cancers begin the ducts that carry pancreatic fluids.
 * A rare type begins in the cells that produce insulin and other hormones. (islet cells)


 * Scary Facts:**
 * Pancreatic Cancer can lead to other cancers.
 * The tumor invade organs that surround the pancreas (stomach, small intestine) i not treated and kept under control.
 * It is also possible that cacer cells may break away from the tumor and spread to other parts of the body. (lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or even bones)


 * Possible Treatments:**
 * Surgery- removing the tumor from the pancreas (this is the most common way of treating this cancer)


 * Intensity Modulated Radiation therapy (IMRT)


 * Fractional dose Chemotherapy