Causes Of Pancreatic Cancer
For any cancer, pinpointing the root cause is not so simple. It is a disease which is multifactorial in origin. However, we do know that that all cancer cells have one or more genetic mutations. Some very important genes which keep the cell division in check are seen mutated or lost in these cells. So far, the cause of pancreatic cancer can only be attributed to conditions which trigger such mutations.
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the pancreas. This inflammation can be a result of different irritants in the pancreatic tissue. Heavy alcohol consumption and gallstones are the leading cause of pancreatitis and hence, serve as risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Chronic inflammation is a continuous process, which is characterized by the simultaneous existence of inflammatory changes and healing of the tissue back to normal. The healing process is marked by excessive replicative potential and forming of new vessels to re-establish blood supply. Not always, but sometimes, the cells undergoing such rapid proliferation may accumulate genetic mutation in their DNA. If these errors are not corrected, these cells may become cancerous. A regular follow-up with the doctor and complying with the proposed treatment plan can significantly alter the course of disease progression to cancer.