haimasyöpään

Haimasyöpä, also known as pancreatic cancer, is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes to aid digestion and hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.

The vast majority of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, which begin in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Less common types include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Risk factors for haimasyöpä include smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and a family history of the disease. Age is also a factor, with most diagnoses occurring in people over 65.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague and may not appear until the disease is advanced. These can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and changes in stool.

Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging scans such as CT or MRI, and sometimes a biopsy.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. They may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used in some cases.

Haimasyöpä is often diagnosed at a late stage, which can make treatment more challenging and prognosis less favorable. Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes. Research into new diagnostic and treatment methods is ongoing.