What is Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer?
There are several factors to consider before undergoing treatment. This type of cancer is usually unresectable and is generally found in men. Read on to learn more about this type of cancer. You may also be interested in learning more about the characteristics of this type of cancer. For more information, visit the American Cancer Society website. This type of pancreatic cancer is relatively uncommon.
Unresectable
Although only 15 to 20 per cent of pancreatic tumours are resectable, the rest are classified as "borderline" or "unresectable". These tumours are not a surgical risk, but a highly trained, experienced surgeon can only remove them. Surgical treatment is usually unsuccessful for this type of pancreatic cancer, as surgeons often leave cancer cells behind. In addition, other treatments have proven ineffective.
Untreatable
Patients with pancreatic cancer should seek a second opinion when they experience unexplained symptoms. While it is possible to treat some types of cancer, stages 3 and 4 are particularly serious. Untreatable stage 3 pancreatic cancer may have spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, making it impossible to cure. Treatment options may involve surgery, medications, and other treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients should note that most people with this cancer do not live longer than five years following their diagnosis, although survival rates vary between different types of cancer.
Common in men
The incidence rate of pancreatic cancer in men is about the same as in women. Approximately 50,000 people will be diagnosed this year. The survival rate is only eight per cent. The incidence rate is highest in Western Europe, Northern America, and Australia/New Zealand. In contrast, the incidence rate is lowest in Middle Africa. The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, but the disease has a high mortality rate.
Untreatable in women
For many people, the word untreatable refers to the fact that no treatment is available for stage 3 pancreatic cancer. However, this is not necessarily the case. It is essential to understand the facts surrounding the disease. Although there is no definitive cure, many treatments exist. One example is surgery, a traditional remedy for stage 3 pancreatic cancer. The other treatment is chemotherapy, which has limited effectiveness.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for patients diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy. Anticancer drugs are injected into the vein or taken orally. They may be combined with radiation therapy or surgery. During chemotherapy, your care team may choose a specific treatment plan to control cancer growth and decrease symptoms and may also prescribe a new type of anticancer drug. This treatment will not cure cancer but will help you live longer and minimize the risk of recurrence.
