Q
: 1
07/06/2009 |
My mom was just diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her pancreas. Could taking red clover help in any way?
No. Your mother should be evaluated for surgery.
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Q
: 2
06/26/2009 |
I was diagnosed with a pancreatic pseudocyst a while ago. Should this be monitored by CT Scan/MRI? Could it be, or turn into, pancreatic cancer?
CT scan should be adequate. Pseudocyst does not turn into cancer unless it is not a pseudocyst, but cystic neoplasm of the pancreas.
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Q
: 3
06/22/2009 |
My daughter has been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. She is a 38 and otherwise is in good health. What is your facility using for treatment when a patient has both of these cancers?
At this stage, systemic chemotherapy is the best option.
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Q
: 4
04/22/2009 |
My father's doctors attempted to a Whipple resection on my father last week. They were unable to do the full procedure because the tumor, which is very large, surrounds the major arteries. He has been in severe pain and we are waiting for the results to come back so we will know what stage the cancer is in. From your experience, do you think that chemo and radiation can be effective?
Chemoradiation may help to shrink the tumor enough so that surgery can be reconsidered. However, surgery will not eradicate the tumor. At this stage, it is locally advanced.
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Q
: 5
03/20/2009 |
I am 62 years old and just had a CT-Scan which revealed a tumor on my pancreas that has spread to my spleen and liver. The biopsy from the tumor on the liver confirms that it is an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. My oncologist says that I am probably at the later stage of pancreatic cancer but I have no symptoms. Is there a reason for this? Does standard chemo improve the chance of survival?
It is not uncommon for pancreatic cancer to be without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Survival is dependent on the extent of the liver's involvement and the body's response to therapy.
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Q
: 6
03/10/2009 |
There are tumors growing on my dad's liver despite apparently having arrested the growth of tumors on his pancreas with chemotherapy. Can selective internal radiation therapy spheres be used in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer tumors on the liver? Do you have any advice on other treatments that may be effective?
Internal Radiation Therapy Spheres are not an option for metastatic pancreatic cancer to liver. Alternative options are limited by location, size and number of liver lesions, but can include stereotactic radiation, chemoembolization and experimental systemic chemo.
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Q
: 7
01/06/2009 |
Can one be treated with chemotherapy along with holistic and alternative approach simutaneously? The patient is diabetic, had lymphoma in 1997, and pancreatic cancer in 2008. Pancreas and spleen were removed in November 2007. There's a high probability the cancer has returned. His oncologist suggests more chemo, but no radiation or further surgery. When asked if holistic approach (juicing or other alternative methods) would help, he said there is no medical proof that it helps, and if it were him, he'd get more chemo. Please help with any information you can share.
Your oncologist's opinion is correct. You can add holistic and alternative approaches to chemotherapy.
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Q
: 8
11/20/2008 |
Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, an MRI exam incidently showed a cyst in the head of the pancreas, 1.6 x 1.5 cm. in size. Subsequent CT and EUS exams diagnosed a mucinous neoplasm of the same size. FNA cytology was negative for malignancy. I have been asymptomatic. What proportion of small mucinous cysts develop into carcinoma? If such occurs, what duration of time would it require? Is it safe to monitor such small cysts?
About 75 percent of mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are malignant. CEA levels in cyst fluid help in identifying high risk. Most patients are symptomatic. If you are going to follow up with CT, do it every 6 months. If it gets bigger than 2-3 cm, it should be removed.
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Q
: 9
11/18/2008 |
My 70-year-old father was diagnosed with possible pancreatic cancer. The tumor is located on the tail end of the pancreas and is about the size of a ping pong ball. It has been causing him pain and discomfort for several months. He is scheduled for surgery to remove a portion of the pancreas and the spleen. So far, it appears on the CT scan that the tumor is localized to the pancreas itself. If it is cancer, what is the prognosis for someone in his age and condition after surgery, chemo, etc?
The prognosis and further treatment recommendation for chemo and radiation is dependent on the pathology and staging of the tumor. Surgery is indicated, and is the only therapy for long term survival.
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Q
: 10
09/11/2008 |
My father, 63, was diagnosed with pancreatic mass in uncinate process surrounding SMA and SMV and is unresectable per surgeon and was referred to medical oncologist. We had EUS FNA done twice already without diagnosis (atypical cells) and that's it. Scheduled for third procedure. Can an oncologist start treatment without definite biopsy results? With the time between appointments and waiting for the results we have lost at least a month.
If the images are convincing and the CA19-9 is greater than 1000, with all other reasons of mass excluded, it is not unreasonable to treat. Tissue diagnosis is always preferable, if possible.
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Q
: 11
04/25/2008 |
My dad has unresectable pancreatic cancer. We did two operations with no benefit. It is locally advanced.
Is there anything we can do for him?
Chemo and radiation therapy would be most appropriate.
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Q
: 12
04/17/2008 |
What are the chances of a tumor found in the pancreas of for a 55-year-old diabetic man being cancer? After you go for the dye test, how long do the results take?
Very high. The test results should be available immediately.
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Q
: 13
03/10/2008 |
My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 1 month ago -- a 3cm tumor near the head of his pancreas. He is 69 and in great shape. The tumor was found due to my father having servere back pain, and an X-ray revealed he had stones in his gallbladder. The oncologist stated that the cancer is localized. Do you think he is a candidate for the Trilogy radiation treatment?
The best option is surgery. It can give him the best chance for long term survival. If the diagnosis has been made over 1 month ago, there should be no further delay in the treatment. I will be glad to see him within the next 48 hrs. Please call my office 410-328-7320 to schedule an immediate appointment with me.
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Q
: 14
03/05/2008 |
My mother has pancreatic cancer. The 5 cm tumor is wrapped around the main artery. She was told it is inoperable. Are there any other procedures that can be done? She is currently on xeloda and radiation therapy.
Once she completes the radiation, another CT scan needs to be done to re-evaluate her for surgery.
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Q
: 15
02/20/2008 |
My sister died of pancreatic cancer in 1993. I am now the same age as she was when diagnosed. What are the chances of my getting pancreatic cancer as well, and is there a way to be proactive about protecting myself?
You might have a slight increased risk. There is no cost-effective screening test. To be proactive, make sure you get all your screening tests (mammography, colonoscopy, Pap smears, annual exam) and if you have any unusual symptoms, see your doctor. Eat healthy and exercise.
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