2 Responses to “INFO NEEDED – Pancreatic Cancer”

1. admin says:

   December 20, 2009 at 9:55 am

   Jennifer Strul (st…@server.uwindsor.ca) wrote:

   : My grandfather was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with spread
   : to spots on the liver.  It all started with severe blood clots in his
   : legs.  Any information would be appreciated

           It is not unusual for pancreatic cancer to be associated with, or
   even heralded by, blood clots in the legs.  This cancer, like several
   others, secretes a chemical (or more likely several chemicals) into the
   blood stream which activates the coagulation system.   This results in
   clots forming where they don’t belong.  The clots can break loose from the
   leg, and travel to the lungs.  This causes difficulty breathing.  The
   treatment of the clotting-tendency may be one or more of the following:
   oral anticoagulants, heparin, or a "filter."  A filter is just what it
   sounds like, a metallic device implanted in the large vein going from the
   legs to the  heart.  It is designed to trap clots travelling toward the lungs.
           I hope this is useful information to you.  I’m sorry your
   grandfather is so sick.
           Eric Chevlen, MD
2. admin says:

   December 20, 2009 at 9:55 am

   Pancreatic cancer is a tumor that frequently causes an increased
   tendency to form blood clots (Trousseau’s syndrome). It is
   difficult, if not impossible to treat with chemotherapy or
   surgery. Surgery is sometimes helpful in diverting bowel that
   might get obstructed by the tumor, and radiation therapy
   sometimes can play a role in reducing symptoms. Nerve blocks can
   be tried to reduce pain, but all in all it is a tumor that is
   often discovered only after it has spread. It has a poor
   prognosis, with life expectancy often measured in months, rather
   than years, especially when metastases are already present at
   diagnosis… Hopefully, his doctors will keep him comfortable. H2
   

   –
   H2