Pancreatic Tumors

Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

Pancreatic cancer metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from pancreas tumors to other locations in the body. Metastasis, from the Greek change of the state, occurs in almost all late-stage tumors. Cancer cells split off from the primary tumor, then penetrate the lymphatic and blood vessels. The lymph system is composed of a network of vessels and nodes that remove toxins and excess fluid. The cancer cells ride through the bloodstream and lymph system. Eventually they lodge in favorable environments through the body and begin to grow new tumors. If the cancer spreads only to the lymph nodes (called nodal involvement) around the primary tumor, it is not considered true metastasis.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer metastasis has effects other than simply spreading the cancer; if it spreads to certain areas, it can also rule out surgery as a viable option for treating the disease. One such location is the lymph nodes, though its growth here does not always prove inoperable. Positive, or cancerous, lymph nodes found in the small groove between the upper small intestine (the duodenum) and the pancreas are an example of operable tumors. The Whipple procedure commonly removes them. But if the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes like those of the liver, doctors usually cannot remove them with surgery.

Along with metastasis to the lymph nodes around the liver, the cancer can also invade the liver itself. If the pancreatic cancer has spread here, surgery cannot be performed.

Another danger area, this one higher in the body, is the celiac plexus. It is a network of nerves about the aorta as it enters the diaphragm. When a tumor presses on the plexus, back pain results.

The superior mesenteric vessels carry blood to and from the intestines. The also provide the pancreas and liver with blood. Because of their relation to the pancreas, the tumors may spread to them.

This vein near to the pancreas is the portal vein. It takes oxygen-poor blood to be filtered by the liver. Cancer here is usually inoperable, though surgeons make the final decision. They may be able to remove the cancerous section of the portal vein.

Where the duodenum and jejunum (parts of the small intestine) join is the Ligament of Treitz. Not a true ligament, it is a thin muscle wrapping about the small intestine. It is near the pancreas and attaches to the spine and diaphragm.

If the pancreatic cancer's metastasis has reached the gallbladder, spleen, or small intestine, however, doctors can still operate. The gallbladder and spleen can be removed in fairly simple procedures. The small intestine can be resectioned, though this is a more complex undertaking.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in the United States. About 90 percent of all pancreas tumors are cancerous, and their location on the pancreas can delay symptoms. By the time signs of the tumor's presence appear, the cancer is already established and may have metastasized. Thus it is important to catch the cancer soon to prevent further pancreatic cancer metastasis. Early action and detection can mean the difference between life and death.