Why is cancer of the pancreas so deadly?

As an expert in the field of oncology, I can provide insight into why pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer. Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it is typically diagnosed at a late stage. This is due to several factors: 1. Lack of Early Symptoms: Pancreatic cancer does not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they are often nonspecific and can be attributed to less serious conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. 2. Anatomical Location: The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, making it difficult to detect abnormalities without specialized imaging techniques. 3. Aggressive Growth: Pancreatic tumors tend to grow and spread quickly. They often invade nearby blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to rapid metastasis. 4. Limited Treatment Options: Because of the late-stage diagnosis and the cancer's aggressive nature, treatment options are often limited. Surgery is the only potential cure, but it is only possible in a small percentage of cases due to the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. 5. Resistance to Therapy: Pancreatic cancer is known for its resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which further complicates the management of the disease. 6. Poor Prognosis: Even with treatment, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is one of the lowest among all cancers, highlighting the severity of the disease.

Pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage because it doesn't cause symptoms until it's too late. Weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice [a yellowing of the skin due to toxic buildup in the liver]��those are the most common symptoms. They usually start after the tumor is a significant size.