A Review of Pancreatic Cancer: Epidemiology, Genetics, Screening, and Management

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer ranks among the causes of cancer-related deaths. The average size of pancreatic cancer during diagnosis is about 31 mm and has not changed significantly over the past 30 years. Poor early diagnosis of a tumour has been attributed to the late-presenting symptoms. Over the years, improvement in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has been observed, and this can be linked to advancement in imaging techniques as well as the increasing knowledge of cancer history and genetics. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Endoscopic Ultrasound, and Computer Topography are the approved imaging modalities utilised in the diagnosing of pancreatic cancer. Over the years, the management of patients with pancreatic cancer has seen remarkable improvement as reliable techniques can now be harnessed and implemented in determining the resectability of cancer. However, only about 10% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas are resectable at the time of diagnosis and will highly benefit from a microscopic margin-negative surgical resection. Overall, the failure of early tumour identification will result in considerable morbidity and mortality.