Why pancreatic cancer is so deadly?

As an oncologist with years of experience in cancer research and treatment, I can provide insights into why pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most deadly forms of cancer. Pancreatic cancer is so lethal primarily because it is often discovered at advanced stages when the chances of successful treatment are significantly reduced. The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, making it difficult for small tumors to be detected early. Additionally, during the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are usually no symptoms or they are very subtle and non-specific, which means that by the time the cancer is causing noticeable problems, it has often spread to other parts of the body, a stage known as metastatic cancer. Another factor contributing to its deadliness is the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer. It tends to grow and spread quickly, often forming a dense, hard-to-penetrate tumor that can invade nearby blood vessels and nerves, making surgical removal challenging. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer is also known to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which are common treatments for other types of cancer. Lastly, the lack of early detection methods and effective treatment options means that by the time a definitive diagnosis is made, the cancer has often progressed to a point where it is no longer treatable with current medical interventions.

About 95 percent of people with pancreatic cancer die from it, experts say. It's so lethal because during the early stages, when the tumor would be most treatable, there are usually no symptoms. It tends to be discovered at advanced stages when abdominal pain or jaundice may result.