Cancer of the pancreas is a serious and life-threatening condition. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove all or part of the pancreas. This is known as a pancreatectomy. Removing the pancreas can reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other organs. In some cases, it may also be the only way to control the cancer.
Can the Pancreas be Removed if Cancerous?
The decision to remove the pancreas will depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and the person's overall health. In some cases, the entire pancreas may need to be removed. This is known as a total pancreatectomy. In other cases, only part of the pancreas may need to be removed. This is known as a partial pancreatectomy.
Partial Pancreatectomy
A partial pancreatectomy is a procedure to remove a portion of the pancreas, leaving the remaining portion of the pancreas intact. The goal of the procedure is to remove all of the cancerous tissue, while preserving the healthy tissue. This procedure is typically recommended for people with early-stage cancer of the pancreas.
Total Pancreatectomy
A total pancreatectomy is a procedure to remove the entire pancreas. This procedure is typically recommended for people with advanced-stage cancer of the pancreas. It may also be recommended for people with early-stage cancer if the tumor is large or if it has spread to nearby organs.
Risks of Pancreatectomy
Pancreatectomy is a major surgery and carries a risk of serious complications. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. People who have had a pancreatectomy will also need to take insulin shots for the rest of their lives. This is because the pancreas is responsible for producing insulin.
Conclusion
In some cases, a pancreatectomy may be recommended to treat cancer of the pancreas. The type of procedure recommended will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the person's overall health. A partial pancreatectomy may be recommended for people with early-stage cancer, while a total pancreatectomy may be recommended for people with advanced-stage cancer. However, the procedure carries a risk of serious complications, and people who have had a pancreatectomy will need to take insulin shots for the rest of their lives.