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Archive for Gall Bladder Symptoms – Page 2

Top Tips to Treat and Prevent Gallbladder Pain

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Monday, February 8th, 2010

In most cases, gallstones are painless. In fact, you usually find out that you have them while undergoing a routine checkup or an exam for another illness. But when gallstones act up, you may feel sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen that can last from 20 minutes to several hours. That is the result of a stone as small as a speck or as large as an egg getting wedged in the duct that leads from the gallbladder into the intestine. Sometimes the pain will radiate to your back and shoulders. And once you have a gallstone attack, you are likely to have another. What causes these little nuggets of pain?

In a nutshell, the problem arises from the way that you metabolize cholesterol. Your liver produces bile, a cholesterol-rich fluid that your body uses to digest fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder. Too much cholesterol in your bile can form soft clumps that eventually harden into stones. As unfair as it seems, women are three times as likely as men to develop gallstones because females have more hormones racing their systems. It’s thought that the female sex hormones progesterone and estrogen may affect the amount of cholesterol in bile as well as the functioning of the gallbladder.

It may sound scary to have gallstones. However you can try out these tips to relieve your pain.

Defat your diet. Reduce your intake of dietary fat. If you have gallstones, consumption of fat, especially animal fat, may trigger gallbladder spasm. Once you have gallstones, dietary changes along will not get rid of them. But eating less fat can minimize the risk of symptoms appearing.

Shed extra pounds. Try to maintain your ideal weight. People who are overweight are at a much higher risk for developing gallstones.

Nix the crash or fast. If you need to lose weight, do so gradually. Overweight people who go on extremely low calorie diets or who fast for days or weeks tend to develop gallstones. Also do not consume a totally fat-free diet. Have one meal a day with at least 10 grams of fat.

Eat breakfast. People who skip breakfast are essentially undergoing a short-term fast, and fasting has been shown to increase the risk of gallbladder disease.

See if you are C-deficient. Ask your doctor if you may be deficient in vitamin C or hydrochloric acid. Animals with a high-cholesterol diet and vitamin C deficiency are prone to developing gallstones. In addition, about half of all people with gallstones are deficient in hydrochloric acid. If your doctor finds that you have either deficiency, you can take steps to correct it.

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The health benefits of flaxseed

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Monday, February 8th, 2010

Science has taken civilization to the point that for many, there is very little magic in the world today. We grin at ancient myths of magical and mystical potions. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. When we examine the properties of many herbs, seeds, berries and other “magical” foods, we often find the reason they were once considered so valuable and mystical. We now know the science behind the claims, but the claims, themselves, are still relevant. Consider the lowly flaxseed.

According to many common sources, flaxseed has been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years. One reference to it is mentioned by the Ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates (think Hippocratic oath); he wrote about using it to relieve abdominal pain. History records its use again during the reign of the very mystical, but very real, Charlemagne, who actually brought into law the mandatory use of flaxseed in order to promote good health for his subjects.

If you’ve ever shopped at a bulk-food store, and have seen the large barrel containing the tiny seed which is flax, you may wonder what nutritional value could come from such a wee bit of nature. You’d be surprised to discover the many properties it contains that are health-promoting.

Flaxseed contains large amounts of the healthy fat our bodies need: the essential fatty acids of Omega 3 & 6, which we now know have numerous health benefits. Usually found in fish oils, Omega 3 nourish our brains, and the benefits trickle down form there, including lowering our cholesterol and protecting from heart disease. The oils even help keep our hair healthy!

Flaxseeds also help with pain. Pain is a side effect of inflammation and, depending on the location, inflammation can result in headaches, joint aches, allergies and a host of other troubles. Arthritis sufferers benefit from the Omega-3 properties of flaxseed as do people with other inflammatory diseases and conditions. Flaxseed can help us cope with many of the symptoms of aging.

Aside from the healthy fat, they contain large amount of fiber which we all know has great benefits for our digestive system, colon, bowel, gall bladder and more. Cancer societies and researchers recommend fiber for a healthy body and flaxseed is an easy and sure way to get it.

The added fiber also boosts our metabolism and assists with weight-loss. We feel full faster, limit our calories intake, and it gives us good fats. All ingredients for a successful eating-regime.

Flaxseed can be obtained in its true form and added to cereals, salads, sandwiches. It has a slight nutty flavour. You can also purchase it at health food stores, grocers, and pharmacies as a capsule or an oil.

The benefits of flaxseed are well documented and seem to touch on nearly every aspect of our health. So what are you waiting for?

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The theory behind traditional Chinese medicine

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Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Picture, if you can, the Yin Yang circle, with the soft intertwining dark and light shapes, with their small, concentric contrasting circles, all in harmony, all supporting each other, as day turns to night, night to day. That is the essential symbol of what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is all about. Each part of the whole is essential for body and soul to function in health; this has been the driving theory for over 4000 years.

TCM looks deeply into all the symptoms and the patterns in which they present themselves, in order to make a diagnosis. It takes a holistic approach, on the premise that, if one part of the body is “out of kilter,” then this will affect other parts. So treating those symptoms will help the whole body and mind. They both need to be in total harmony, as the Yin Yang sympbol signifies. Moon and Sun, two opposing natural forces that complement each other and keep nature in balance, the whole person functioning well. The basic theories are indeed centered around Yin and Yan and the Five Elements. First, we can look at the Yin Yang theory for its meaning.

YIN AND YANG: These are related to the organs that channel energy or “qi” throughout the body. Yin is Earth and is concerned with the front of the body; the lungs, heart, spleen, kidney and liver. They “hold” energy, and too much Yin appears as fatigue, cold, pains and aches. Yang is Heaven, and deals with the back of the body; the whole surface of the skin, large and small intestines, bladder, gallbladder and stomach. Yang organs “channel” energy and too much gives acute pain, headaches and spasms.

You would think that the stomach should be to the front, but remember how the whole enfolds and supports, as the symbol portrays it? Picture a wheel, surrounding the symbol, with Heaven at the top, Earth at the bottom. Moving clockwise around the wheel, are Wind, Water, Mountain, Earth, Thunder, Fire, Lake, then back to Heaven at the top. The Yin and Yang are shown as broken and solid lines against each of these component parts, and the skilled practitioner, after taking a detailed history, will read and interpret these. The theory is that all will be well if Yin and Yang are both “holding” and “channeling” in balance. Fixing what is wrong with one will have a positive impact on the other.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS: This is the second important principle of TCM. All five have a Yin and Yang organ and are linked to emotions, tastes, and seasons of the year.

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Pancreatitis: Symptoms and treatment

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Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. There are two different forms of Pancreatitis, acute Pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. The pancreas is located in the upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays an important role in the digestive system it produces two types of substances that are important to digestion: digestive juices and digestive hormones.

Causes Of Pancreatitis

*Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Gallstones from the gallbladder can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive juices inside the pancreas. Pancreatitis caused by gallstones is more common in women over the age of 50 years old.

*Alcohol abuse is the second most common cause of pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol use damages the pancreas causing it to become inflamed.

*A small number of cases can be caused by certain medications, exposure to certain chemicals, injury (for example from car accident), and hereditary disease, infections such as the mumps, surgery or certain medical procedures, or abnormalities of the pancreas.

Symptoms Of Pancreatitis

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include pain. The pain may come on suddenly or build up over time. Usually this pain is very severe. The pain is generally located in the upper middle or upper left part of the abdomen. The pain may travel or radiate through to the back. This pain usually lasts for days and may worsen when the patient is lying on his or her back. People may also experience nausea, fever or chills, and a rapid heartbeat. The abdomen is usually bloated and tender to the touch. Some symptoms in severe cases are weakness, lightheadedness, lethargy, irritability, confusion, and headache.

Chronic pancreatitis sufferers may not experience as much pain, but for those that do experience pain it is constant and disabling. As the condition worsens the pain may go away. This is unfortunate as it may mean the pancreas has stopped working. Long-term symptoms or complications of chronic pancreatitis are diabetes, weight loss, anemia, or liver problems.

When To Seek The Medical Assistance Of A Doctor

Most people that can’t shake the nausea associated with pancreatitis need to seek medical attention. However the following symptoms also require medical assistance:

Inability to eat, drink, or take medication

Severe pain not relieved by medication

Difficulty breathing

Pain with fever or chills, faint feeling, weakness, or fatigue

At Home Care

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Early symptoms of liver failure – Part 1

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Friday, February 5th, 2010

It is so easy to take the liver for granted, until there is a problem. It is the largest organ in the body, and responsible for many functions. It aids in digestion, provides a filter (and a process of elimination) for toxic substances in the blood, contributes to energy levels, helps fight infection, and makes essential proteins.

When the liver fails, it generally occurs gradually, over a long period of time. However, acute liver failure can also occur, sometimes in the span of 48 hours.

Often people have no advanced knowledge of liver failure, until there is very little function left. Sometimes there may just be a feeling of fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite and mild weight loss. One of the first signals that something may be wrong, is tenderness and enlargement of the liver, though sometimes there will be no symptoms of inflammation. Some of the earliest warning signs are nausea and vomiting, a feeling of weakness and lethargy, light colored stools, diarrhea, portal hypertension, itching of the skin, a swollen abdomen, an enlarged gall bladder, edema (fluid build up), severe bleeding (due to a lack of clotting substances), anemia, bruising, low white blood cell count, dark urine, muscle tremors and twitches, seizures, drowsiness, brain problems, memory problems, confusion, and coma. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and a bright red complexion and palms, may also appear, as well as cholestasis (reduction or cessation of bile flow.) Increased thirst and frequent urination can also occur.

As the inflammation of the liver continues, it often develops scar tissue, which replaces liver tissue. This is called fibrosis. This fibrous tissue can obstruct blood flow in the liver, and decrease its efficiency.

When the liver is unable to heal itself, (and the adverse effects cannot be reversed) the condition is called Cirrhosis.

As the liver continues to fail, the person will experience more serious symptoms. This is when disorientation, dementia, coma and death can occur. It is a life-threatening situation, requiring immediate medical assistance.

Diagnostic procedures are liver function tests, ultrasound, CT scan, and liver biopsy. Failure of the liver can be caused by drug induced problems, viruses, excessive alcohol abuse, drug allergy, hepatitis B and C, malnutrition, ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms, Cirrhosis, Hemochromatosis, and other causes. In the U. S., the most common drug cause of liver failure is acetaminophen (commonly referred to by the brand name of Tylenol.) Drug induced liver failure can most often be stopped, by removal of the offending drug, though some patients can develop chronic liver disease, leading to liver failure, and some drugs can cause irreversible liver damage.

Because the liver is an amazing organ, that can sometimes heal itself, every effort is made to save the part of the liver, that is still functioning. However, when this fails, the only solution may be a liver transplant.

Sources: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/ disorders/Cirrhosis/hic_Liver_ Failure.aspx

http://www.ehow.com/how_200252 2_symptoms-liver-disease.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/dru g_induced_liver_disease/articl e.htm

http://www.mamashealth.com/liv er/lfailure.asp

http://www.liverfoundation.org /education/info/progression

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec1 0/ch135/ch135a.html

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Tips for avoiding gallstones – Part 3

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Friday, February 5th, 2010

Gallstones are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, usually as a mixture that forms in the gall bladder.

The gall bladder is a small sac that holds bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver that is used in the breakdown of dietary fats. The gall bladder extracts water from its store of bile until the liquid becomes highly concentrated. The presence of fatty foods triggers the gall bladder to squeeze its bile concentrate into the small intestine.

Gallstones are a common disorder of the digestive system, and affect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and over. They are more common in women that men and are also more prevalent in overweight people, those that have experienced rapid weight loss, women on estrogen therapy such as hormone replacement therapy and the contraceptive pill, and people with a family history of gallstones.

Some circumstances which may lead to the formation of gallstones include the crystallization of excess cholesterol in bile and the failure of the gall bladder to fully empty.

In most cases, gallstones do not cause any problems. However, prompt treatment may be necessary if stones block ducts and cause complications such as infections or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Generally gallstones go unnoticed, but in more sever cases symptoms may include:

Generally severe and infrequent pain in the abdomen and back.

Increase in abdominal pain after consuming fatty food.

Jaundice.

Fever and pain, if the gall bladder of bile duct becomes blocked and infected.

There are three main types of gallstones:

Mixed stones the most common type. They are comprised of cholesterol and salts. Mixed stones tend to develop in batches

Cholesterol stones comprised mainly of cholesterol, a fat-like substance that is crucial to may metabolic processes. Cholesterol stones can grow to significant sizes, large enough to block bile ducts.

Pigment stones bile is greenish-brown in color, cue to particular pigments. Gallstone made from bile pigment are typically small but numerous.

There does not seem to be any single cause of gallstones. In some people, the live produces too much cholesterol. This can result in the formation of cholesterol crystals in bile which grow into stones. In other people, gallstones form because of changes in other components of bile or because the gallbladder fails to empty normally.

To avoid the formation of gallstones avoid fatty foods such as fried foods, full cream dairy foods, chocolates, rich cakes and desserts, biscuits, slices and snack foods.

Use olive oil instead of butter in your cooking and salad dressings. Avoid deep frying foods.

If you are over weight, avoid crash dieting and opt for a nutritional balanced diet. Losing weight too rapidly can increase the risk of gallstones.

Gallstones have been linked to young people who consume vast amounts of sugar. A low-sugar, high fiber diet is more conducive to help reduce the stone-forming potential of bile.

Aim for 3-4 serves each day of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include 4-6 serves of wholegrain cereals in your daily diet. Gallstones are also less common in vegetarians.

Reduce cholesterol rich food in your diet. Cholesterol is found in animal products such as red meat, dairy products and eggs.

Eat regular small meals. This assists in avoiding overloading the digestive system and allows the body more time to digest any fats.

Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water daily to flush toxins and aid the natural elimination processes of the body.

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About the Malfunction of the Gallbladder

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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

The gallbladder is situated in the upper right side of the abdomen, under the liver and above the duodenum. Its function is to transport the bile produced by the liver into the small intestine when needed. Bile is requested after eating because it is used in the process of digestion. Until then, the bile remains stocked inside the gallbladder.

Sometimes stones can form inside the gallbladder and if they block the bile passage pain, fever and jaundice will install as a sign that something is wrong in the body.

If the doctor thinks that the patient needs to be operated he will tell you that there can be made a keyhole or an open surgery. The keyhole surgery is quite frequently used but is not recommended for those who have scars from other interventions, those who are pregnant and those who have a severe inflammation. The keyhole surgery is performed with the help of the laparoscope. The surgeon will make three or four small incisions inside the abdomen and through those incisions will introduce the laparoscope’s instruments needed for surgery. One of the laparoscope’s instruments has attached an optic video camera which allows the medical team to see what it is inside your abdomen. After that the surgeon will find the gallbladder and will remove it with the help of the other laparoscopic instruments. This operation is known as cholecystectomy. The wounds will be closed afterwards and the patient will be able to leave the hospital after two days.

The open surgery is usually made if the laparoscopic method is not suitable for the patient. The surgeon will make a cut inside the abdomen right under the right ribs in order to perform an open cholecystectomy. Then the gallbladder and the gallstones will be taken out and the surgeon will use X-rays to see if there are any possible gallstones inside the bile ducts and will remove those too. After that the incision will be closed and the patient will remain hospitalized for at least 4 days.

Sometimes people want to think before taking a surgery. This is a good thing because if you are 70 years old this operation could endanger your life. Also you can try other methods of treatment before going to the surgeon. Sometimes the gallstones can be pulled out without removing the gallbladder with the help of a flexible telescope the patient will swallow.

If you must have the surgery done you should get prepared first. You must give up smoking and lose some weight if you are overweight. Also, go to the family doctor and ask for a check up of your other affections. Inside the hospital other special tests might be performed but this depends from hospital to hospital. Take your current medication with you at the hospital but be careful to let the doctor know what pills you are taking before the surgery. Also, if you have no relatives talk to a friend to come with you at the hospital and to stay with you a few days after the surgery.

After the surgery if you had a laparoscopic procedure done, you might feel a little pain where the incisions have been made so be free to ask for some tablets in order to reduce the pain. If you had an open surgery they your pain might be worse and the nurses will give you injections and after a few days they will give you tablets. Due to the anesthetic you might be feeling confused, clumsy and forgetful during the first day after surgery. Try not to make any important decisions in this day.

The nurses will also take care to change daily the wound dressings and at a point the doctor will remove the drain tubes attached to your abdomen. The wounds are free to being washed with soap and water as soon as the dressings have been removed. Feel free to ask for advices from the nurses if you have questions regarding cleaning the wounds. Also, when leaving the hospital do not forget to ask for the sick notes and any additional certificates.

After going home you might be feeling tired and will want to sleep for 2-3 times a day. This is quite normal and you will be able to return to your usual level of activity only after one week in the case of a keyhole surgery or after two months if you have an open surgery. The wound has stitches and you have to go to the hospital to remove them after a few days had passes since the surgery.

Regarding complications they occur quite rarely. If the wound has got infected this problem will be solved with antibiotic drugs in a few weeks. Sometimes there are numb patches around the wounded area but they will clear up in a month or so.

All you need is patience because you can not expect to be as good as new only after a few days had passes since surgery was done.

For more resources on Gall Bladder or especially about gall bladder symptoms please visit http://www.gall-bladder-guide.com/gall-bladder-symptoms.htm

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Gallbladder removal and pain – Part 2

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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

The gall bladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that connects to the liver by a series of ducts. As part of the digestive system, the gallbladder’s role is to store bile (a bitter liquid produced by the liver) that will be used to digest food, particularly fat, on its way to the small intestine.

Nearly every cystic fibrosis (CF) patient has or will develop gallbladder problems at some point during his or her lifetime. In people with CF, the gallbladder is abnormally small and fails to function properly due to blockage by thick bile. In many cases, the gallbladder becomes atrophied because of non-use. Gall stones may form when the gall bladder fails to empty properly for long periods of time. In cases where the gall bladder becomes blocked because of gall stones, the risk of pancreatitis (swollen pancreas) increases.

Symptoms that may indicate gallbladder irregularities include:

-abdominal pain in the pit of the stomach

- pain and discomfort when eating

-difficulty taking deep breaths

-vomiting

-pale stools

-dark urine

-abnormal or unusual bloating with indigestion

In order to determine if the gall bladder is functioning properly, or if gall stones are creating a problem, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, or x-rays. One of the most effective ways to see how well the gall bladder is working is by performing a CT scan with contrast. In this type of scan, a special type of dye is injected into the patient’s arm. The CT scanner will then take a series of images as the dye moves from the liver to the bile duct, gall bladder, and ultimately, small intestine.

Occasionally the gall bladder will need to be surgically removed. This is often done via laparoscopy, a procedure in which only a few small incisions are made in the abdomen. This type of surgery is relatively simple, typically performed on and outpatient basis. Removal of the gall bladder will not impair digestion. The only difference is that your body will no longer be able to store bile between meals. Once the gall bladder is removed, bile will move directly from the liver to the bile duct and into the small intestine.

According to Dr. Brian K. Weinstein, “Up to 27% of patients with CF have gallstones, but only about 4% are symptomatic. Biliary colic is the pain associated with stones as they pass. This pain usually passes, but can recur. When the gallbladder is swollen, with pain, this can be cholecystitis, an inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. This can initially be treated with antibiotics, but usually is an indication for surgery.”

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Lymphatic System The Forgotten River Of Health

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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

One of the pioneering organizations that have taken the initiative to provide a breakthrough in the field of medical sciences through comprehensive research and analysis is the American Academy of Quantum Medicine (AAQM). It is a non-profit organization that runs on funds collected from charitable donations and tax deductibles. It basically helps in educating and medical professionals to help them provide better and more efficient care to the patients.

The chosen stream of medical science, Quantum medicine, comprises Herbology, Ayurveda, homeopathy, oriental medicine, biochemistry and chiropractic practices. This broad yet extremely effective medical stream is used to tackle many diseases from mild ones as headaches, anxiety, and insomnia to severe ones such as arthritis or cancer. Being a convergent stream of several medicinal practices, Quantum medicine is much more effective and ensuring. Hence, the importance and the relevance of the organization have really come to the forefront in the medical arena today.

The contribution of AAQM

The AAQM is responsible for a number of tasks other than educating and training medical professionals, both amateur as well as experienced. One of its main activities includes hosting seminars on topics that concern the medical fraternity, especially the diseases that have been gaining traditional neglect by practitioners over the decades. It also encourages professional growth and recognition of the medical professionals after completing a certification from a reputable board.

The seminars often include professionals from within the academy as well as invitees from outside. This provides a balanced and enlightening approach towards many unexplored or under-researched veins of medical science. The seminars are also very helpful in providing researchers and professional from the concerned field with the latest breakthroughs in medical technology, especially those regarding the Quantum medicine and allied subjects. Alternative treatment paths for diseases that plague organs such as the stomach, spleen, duodenum, liver, kidney, gall bladder, uterus, etc. and negatively impact the hormones (such as testosterones and progesterones) are also discussed in these seminars.

How do you stand to gain from the AAQM?

AAQM is one of the best organizations that have been set up to help the common man know more about medical nuances such as the lymphatic system molds, etc. and take adequate measures against the same. Diseases as trivial as headaches and natural anxiety can be a cause of concern and a simultaneous symptom of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) or lymphatic system malfunction. To help laypersons understand the causes and consequences of such negligence is one important mission of AAQM.

Medical professionals are also encouraged to take up the research and informed probing of less explored diseases and portions of the human body that have innate healing capabilities. In a nutshell, the AAQM is a revolutionary medical organization that has been an advocate of fair and better medical facilities to the layperson, as well as a lift of standards to a much higher level.

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Explaining pancreatic cancer – Part 1

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Monday, February 1st, 2010

Pancreatic Cancer: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Pancreatic cancer develops when cancerous cells, cells that multiply uncontrollably, form in the tissues of your pancreas. Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, making it a very important organ. Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it’s one of the more deadly forms of cancer. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread to other parts of the body and surgical removal is no longer possible

Signs and Symptoms:

-Upper abdominal pain. Abdominal pain occurs when a tumor presses on surrounding organs and nerves. Pain may be constant or intermittent and is often worse after you eat or when you lie down.

-Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. Weight loss occurs in most types of cancer because cancerous (malignant) cells deprive healthy cells of nutrients.

-Itching. High levels of bile acids accumulate in your skin and causes itching.

-Nausea and vomiting. The tumor may block a portion of your digestive tract causing nausea and vomiting.

-Digestive problems. Without the pancreas’s digestive enzymes, many nutrients in foods are not absorbed and broken down, leading to malnourishment.


Treatment:

-Total pancreatectomy. The pancreas is completely removed along with the gallbladder and spleen. After a total pancreatectomy, you’ll need insulin injections and pancreatic enzymes, and the operation presents serious risks. Total pancreatectomy isn’t often used for people with pancreatic cancer because there doesn’t appear to be enough benefit from the procedure to justify the risks.

-Distal pancreatectomy. Only part of the pancreas, the tail is removed, sometimes the spleen too.

-Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation that comes from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation) is generally used to treat pancreatic cancer. Side effects of radiation therapy may include a burn on your skin similar to sunburn where the radiation enters your body, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

-Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to help kill cancer cells. For that reason, they’re often used to treat cancers that have spread. Often used in combination with radiation.

-If your cancer has spread too far to be completely removed by an operation, the primary goal will be to relieve your signs and symptoms.

Prevention:

-Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can damage the DNA that regulates cell growth.

-Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of many life threatening diseases, including pancreatic cancer.

-Exercise regularly.

-Eat a healthy diet. High in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat and sugars is optimal.

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