What Is a Pancreatic Mass?
A pancreatic mass is a lump or growth on the pancreas, a gland organ. A gland organ is an internal component of the body which synthesizes or produces a substance through a chemical process to be released to the body. The pancreas produces hormones, such as insulin, and excretes juices utilized in the digestive process. Insulin plays an important role in regulating internal functions such as metabolism, growth and temperature regulation. Pancreatic juices contain enzymes or proteins which increases the chemical process rate.
An abnormal pancreatic mass can be a relatively harmless cyst formation or an indication of a more serious problem. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac-like lump on the pancreas, often referred to as psuedocysts, which may cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. However, pancreatic cysts are typically not cancerous.
On the other hand, a pancreatic mass, otherwise known as a tumor, can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Pancreatic cancer is a disease where growths occur which can metastasize or spread into other parts of the body and jeopardize life expectancy. A cancerous pancreatic mass is difficult to diagnose because initially there may be no symptoms or indications of a problem. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abdominal pain that radiates into the back, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, and jaundice. Jaundice is a condition causing a yellowing of the skin and eyes from an increase of bilirubin, a component of red blood cells.
The prognosis or outlook for a person with a cancerous pancreatic mass depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Many cases are in an advanced stage of the disease process before symptoms occur. Often treatment options for advanced pancreatic cancer include techniques and procedures designed to slow down the spread of disease.
Treatment for a cancerous pancreatic mass includes surgery or chemotherapy. Pancreatic surgery involves the removal of the tumor and any infected sections of the pancreas. Surgical options can range from minimally-invasive techniques through a laparoscope to a major surgical procedure. Surgery is an option for a pancreatic mass which has not metastasized, or spread. However, surgical procedures may also be performed for extreme cases to lessen the severity of the cancer, decrease the effects of the disease on other body parts and increase life expectancy.
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for pancreatic cancer which has spread. Chemotherapy involves the administration of cell-killing chemicals into the body to reduce cancerous effects. This form of treatment is often given to increase quality of life.
Written by Sandra Koehler
