Friday, April 25, 2008

Peri-Ampullary Cancer Survivor


Endoscopy pictures courtesy of GastroLab


Hooray !!! May 16 will be my 17th anniversary as a cancer survivor. Had a whipple operation (pancreaticduodenectomy) after DX of Peri-Ampullary CA in 1991.


I would like to write about this cancer which is rare type, if diagnosed early it would save many people from dying., when it's not discovered, it is usually advanced. Had I waited for the doctor to guess my disease, I would have died long ago. I was insistent and a demanding patient. I asked too many questions. Get 2 or 3 doctor opinions. I thank God that I had early symptoms.
I was a healthy, non-smoker/drinker female, but I recall that when I was younger, I disliked vegetables, milk, and picky on foods that I ate, irregular bowel movements, etc.

I never stop reading and researching about Pancreatic CA. There was no internet way back in 1991 so reading about this subject is limited to medical textbooks and medical journals only. I joined and read the forums of cancer organizations to see how survivors are doing and how they are coping with their health problems. People who have underwent whipples like me, will understand and feel what its like to be on the same boat. It's a tough ride, especially when you don't know yet your death sentence, but once you are diagnosed and staged of your Cancer, you'll feel relax but the battle is a long journey. Prayer is powerful, only God knows when our time will come. I highly recommend that surgery is the only potential curative treatment if its operable. CAT Scan is very expensive here in the Philippines but this is the fastest way to pinpoint the problem. I wish CTscan prices will be just like the ordinary X-ray test which is affordable.


FACTS:
Peri-ampullary
Around the ampulla of Vater. The peri-ampullary region is comprised of 4 structures; the ampulla, the duodenum, the bile duct and the head of the pancreas. It is sometimes difficult to tell which structure a tumor originated in. In such cases the diagnosis will be a peri-ampullary tumor.

Periampullary cancer, a pancreatic cancer affecting the ampulla Vater region, is a subgroup of pancreatic cancers. About 10-15% of all pancreatic cancers are located in this region. It is often impossible to decide if the tumour is arising from the distal bile duct or from the pancreas in an endoscopic finding like this. The typical symptom is obstructive jaundice.


Periampullary cancers constitute a distinct entity compared to the classical pancreatic head cancer. Their diagnosis and the approach to their treatment has improved considerably in the last two decades. Endoscopy, high-resolution imaging, and endosonography have resulted in improved diagnosis and staging. A pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure and improves survival. Superior results are seen with high volume centres. While endoscopy plays an invaluable role in the palliation of obstructive jaundice in unresectable lesions, its role in preoperative stenting remains uncertain. Adjuvant treatment modalities have so far failed to significantly improve survival. These tumours carry a better prognosis than the more dismal pancreatic head cancer, possibly because of the activation of different molecular pathways in the process of carcinogenesis. This article reviews the current understanding and various treatment options of periampullary carcinomas other than the classical pancreatic head cancer.



Periampullary tumours are defined as those that arise within 2 cm of the major papilla in the duodenum. They encompass tumours of the ampulla of Vater, the distal common bile duct (intrapancreatic distal common bile duct), duodenal tumours (usually the second part) involving the papilla and tumours of the pancreatic head involving the ampulla.Thus, these tumours are classified on the basis of their tissue of origin. They constitute a separate entity from the classical adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. While these tumours can be benign, they are most commonly malignant and periampullary adenomas are well-known premalignant lesions. Periampullary adenocarcinomas carry a better prognosis than adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. While these tumours have different origins, the complex regional anatomy dictates a common operative approach. Malignant periampullary tumours are best treated by a pancreatoduodenectomy. Resection is the only option that improves survival. This review article discusses the current understanding about periampullary carcinomas, other than the classical pancreatic head cancer, and the various treatment options.


Historical Facts about the Pancreas
The pancreas was first described in 300 B.C by Herophilus of Chalcedon. In 100 A.D Aretaus described the term diabetes. It was Rufus of Ephesus who coined the term "pan-kreas" meaning 'all flesh'. In 1541 Andreas Vesalius first illustrated the pancreas and in 1642 Johann Wirsung discovered the pancreatic duct. In 1654 Francis Glisson of Cambridge described the sphincter mechanism at the end of the common bile duct. In 1674 Thomas Willis of Oxford described diabetes mellitus. In 1869 Paul Langerhans discovered the Islets of the pancreas where Insulin was made and in 1872 Alexander Danilewski discovered trypsin, the protein digesting enzyme, made in the pancreas. In 1922 Banting and Best discovered Insulin a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.

Pancreatic Surgery


Pancreatic surgery really started in 1879 when Thiersch first drained a fluctuating tumour in the abdomen which was a pancreatic cyst. The resulting pancreatic fistula eventually dried up spontaneously. However, the first serious pancreatic surgery began in the 1900s and in 1909 Coffey performed the first pancreatic anastomosis (join) to the bowel. In 1923 Jedlicka successfully anastomosed a pancreatic cyst to the back of the stomach and in 1946 Konig drained a pancreatic cyst into a Roux-en-Y loop of jejunum. In 1882 Trendelenburg carried out the first distal pancreatectomy (left sided pancreatic resection). The first successful removal of a peri-ampullary cancer was carried out by William Halsted in 1898 and this involved local excision.
The first true pancreatico-duodenectomy was carried out by Kausch in 1909 operating on a 49 year old man. This was a two stage procedure. Subsequently in 1935 A.O.Whipple performed a two stage pancreatico-duodenectomy. By 1940 he had perfected the single stage operation and by 1941 over 40 cases had been reported with an operative mortality of 27 %. To date there are many variations in the type of reconstruction of the Kausch-Whipple procedure. The procedure of pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy was popularised by Traverso and Longmire in 1978.


Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
Jaundice
The head of the pancreas is located close to the common bile duct and small bowel (duodenum) so tumors located in the head of the pancreas may grow and block these structures. Bile duct blockage can lead to jaundice in 70-85% of patients with tumors in the head of the pancreas. Symptoms of jaundice include:
yellowing of the skin
yellowing of the whites of the eyes
light-colored (clay colored) bowel movements
dark-colored urine
itching
Nausea, Vomiting, Weight Loss Stomach emptying can be delayed when the small bowel is compressed. This causes a feeling of fullness and contributes to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are initially present in 35-45% of patients with pancreatic cancer. Patients sometimes have a loss of appetite and nausea that leads to weight loss.In advanced disease, up to 5% of patients have tumors that cause complete blockage of the small bowel. In this case, surgery may be done to bypass the blockage and improve digestion.
FatigueIn more advanced disease, patients can have a feeling of being tired and fatigued. There are many causes of fatigue in patients with cancer.
Abdominal Pain 75-90% of patients with pancreatic cancer have abdominal pain. This may be described as cramping or gas-like pain. Pain may also spread, or radiate, to the back and shoulders.
Blood Clots - There is an increased risk for blood clots in patients with pancreatic cancer. A blood clot can be a first symptom of pancreatic cancer. The cancer itself causes changes in the blood that increases the risk for blood clots. Some clots have no symptoms, but swelling, pain and redness can be present in the area of clot.
DiabetesThe onset of diabetes or difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels is also associated with pancreatic cancer. Diabetes may be diagnosed before or after the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone, insulin, or is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin helps your body regulate the blood sugar level, so without it blood sugar levels are often high.
Pancreatic InsufficiencyThe pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, or juices, into the small intestine. These juices help digest food in the intestines. Patients with pancreatic cancer may not have adequate amounts of these enzymes, and food isn't digested normally. This is called pancreatic insufficiency.Symptom include diarrhea and cramping often after eating. This happens because food passes through the digestive tract not fully digested. As the indigestible food passes through, it pulls water into the intestines, causing diarrhea and cramping.


How is it diagnosed?
Patients with symptoms suspicious for pancreatic cancer will undergo tests to determine the cause of these symptoms. Below are some test and procedures used for diagnosis:
Ultrasound of the abdomen - An ultrasound can identify a tumor or mass in the pancreas or bile duct system that may be causing blockage or jaundice.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS)The EUS test is done with a lighted tube that is inserted through the mouth and placed into the stomach. Ultrasound images of the pancreas are obtained through the stomach wall. It is highly sensitive for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. EUS is particularly useful for detecting small (less than two centimeters) tumors which may not be well visualized by CT. It can also identify tumors that may involve important blood vessels. The procedure can provide details about the arteries and veins next to the pancreas.A biopsy with a small or 'fine' needle aspiration (FNA) of the tumor may also be performed during an EUS to diagnose pancreatic cancer. Intravenous sedation is used for this procedure.
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)An ERCP is done with a lighted tube called an endoscope to look at the bile ducts. It can also be used to place a stent or tube to open a blocked bile duct for drainage. Intravenous sedation is most commonly used for this procedure. The patient is not awake during the test. This procedure helps to determine what is causing the blockage.Some causes of these blockages include ampullary tumors, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), inflammation or cancer of the pancreas. Bile duct juice and tissue samples may be obtained and sent to the pathologist to evaluate for cancer cells.
Computed Tomography (CT)The CT scan can show small tumors as well as important blood vessels that the tumor might be growing into or around. A CT scan can also look at surrounding organs for spread (metastasis) of the cancer into the lymph nodes, liver and other areas. The doctor may suggest a pancreatic mass CT to be done for the first clinic visit to better assess the tumor for size, location and involvement of surrounding vessels and organs. This is a special CT scan done at the Cancer Center that examines the pancreas very closely. A special dye is used for the CT, to give additional information to the radiologist; therefore a temporary IV (intravenous catheter) will be placed prior to the scan.
Interventional Radiology - In some cases the radiology department can perform needle biopsies using the CT or ultrasound technique to locate the mass (tumor) and obtain a tissue sample through the abdomen for a diagnosis. At the UM Interventional Radiology department, there are specialists who may be consulted to do one of these procedures.



Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can be a challenge. It is often difficult to get an adequate biopsy for the pathologist to look at under the microscope. It is frustrating for the patient and the doctor who want to move ahead quickly in making a diagnosis and beginning treatment.


What are the types of cancer found in the pancreas?
There are many different types of pancreatic tumors; however, pancreas cancer is mainly (95%) ductal adenocarcinoma. This type of pancreatic cancer arises from the lining of the pancreatic duct which is the exocrine part of the pancreas that produces the digestive juices.
Tumors may arise from the endocrine part of the pancreas in approximately 5% of cases. This is sometimes referred to as Islet (insulin producing) cell or neuroendocrine cancer. Even rarer tumors are sometimes found, such as sarcomas or lymphomas.


Ampullary Carcinoma
Ampullary carcinoma is suspected based upon demonstration of obstructive jaundice, often with dilation of the pancreatic and biliary ducts seen on abdominal imaging studies. A discrete mass may or may not be identifiable using standard transabdominal ultrasound or helical computed tomography (CT) scanning. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows for direct identification and biopsy confirmation, although biopsy is not 100% accurate . Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may allow identification of the lesion and obviate diagnostic ERCP. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows for more accurate diagnosis and staging of these lesions than CT, and also allows for forceps and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) tissue sampling. EUS may also allow selection of patients that can undergo local resection instead of pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple operation). Once the lesion is identified and staged, palliation of jaundice or operative resection for cure is similar as is discussed for carcinoma of the pancreatic head.



Sources: pancreatic cancer UK/indianjsurg.com/emedicine.com





25 comments:

Anonymous said...

belated happy birthday lee. ;)

sweetlee said...

Hi Gerdie,

Thank's to your greetings. Just write me if you have any questions.
Enjoy life and pray.

Anonymous said...

hi sweetlee my name is aL. Im interested on your story on how u survived periampullary cancer. We are from GMA-7's Kapuso mo, Jessica Soho and were doing a story about the said illness. We would like to conduct an interview with you if possible. You can contact me at 09053435574 / 928-5021/982-7777 local 1426 or 1427or email at kmjs@gmanetwork.com. Thank you very much and were hoping for a favorable response. God bless.

Anonymous said...

hi,
Ccongratulations on surviving this disease. My mother recently underwent Whipple's for stageIB periampullary CA. During her recent follow up she was told by the oncologist that she didn't need chemotherapy but the surgeon was insistent on giving her chemo even though her prognosis hAs been good and her reports are normal. I want to know if any adjuvant therapy was given to you post whipples. I've read that adjuvant therapies don't help much in preventing a relapse. What has ur experience been?

Best wishes and regards,
Chaitra

sweetlee said...

Hi Chaitra,

Thank's for visiting my blog. The doctor who performed the ERCP recommended to have a chemo but my surgeon advised not to have it done because my CA has no metastasis. It's really a case to case basis whether a chemo is necessary. It's been 17 years so I think my surgeon was right.

You can click cancer on the label section about my experience after my surgery posted on Nov. 2, 2007.

How's your Mom now, how old is she? When was her Whipple?

Just email me if you have any questions, you can email me at: jaylanuza@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

where did you get the periampullary facts section? im a nursing student and is doing a study on PAC. pls help. im not a blogger but email me at ramonadimaano@yahoo.com .
im also filipino.

Anonymous said...

I was looking for articles about ampullary cancer and I stumbled upon your blog. My husband was just recently diagnosed with ampullary cancer. He's going to undergo a whipple operation next week. It's good to know that there are survivors with this rare type of cancer. Thanks for sharing your story, it give us hope. God bless..

sweetlee said...

Hi,

I hope your husband will have a successful surgery. Keep me posted and feel free to ask me questions.

Good luck.

Lee

Anonymous said...

hi sweetlee,
my mother had been diagnosed as peri ampullary cancer. she was undergone whipple procedure last 5 years (2003). I just open your website and found out that you had been a cancer survivor. we hope we can had some advice from you for our mother. can i email you as soon as possible. thank you very much. cherry vargas of himamaylan city, negros occidental. my email add brallos@yahoo.com

sweetlee said...

yes you can email me. Glad to hear that your mother has been a survivor for over 5 years, that's good news. How is she doing?

cherry said...

SWEETLEE,
may i have your email add? i want to hear from some tips about being a survivors of peri ampullary cancer. You diet and any medicine you take after your operation. As of today, had you take some medicines or supplements? thank you very much.

sweetlee said...

yes u can email me. Thanks. jaylanuza@yahoo.com

Christina E. said...

Sweetlee,

I just found out that I have ampullary cancer in December 2010 and will be going in for the Whipple Procedure 03/09. I just came across your blog and it is great to read something positive on this cancer. I want to thank you for posting this blog and may God continue to bless you. As my Grandparents always say, "I don't know what the future holds, but God holds the future."

sweetlee said...

Hi Christina,

Are u scheduled for whipple this coming March 9, 2010? The toughest part would be the first few months as it will be an adjustment period especially your food intake. Good luck to you. Keep in touch. you can email me at jaylanuza@yahoo.com

GG said...

I too had a whipple for periampullar (Ampulla of Vater) carcinoma. This year will be the 20th anniversary of surgery 1992. My first cancer was in 1957, right neprectomy for Wilms Tumor. Surgery, chemo, and radiation. That makes me a survivor of CA for 55 years! (Any longer term survivors out there?). I was in the original clinical trials for D-Actinomycin and Vincristine ? at Sloan Kettering. Ampullary CA located at the site of the kidney radiation site. Secondary carcinoma??

Now, dealing with some type 2 diabetes, aortic stenosis (due to chest radiation), but still jogging and hiking!

Cheers!

GG

sweetlee said...

Wow a 55 year survivor for Wills tumor Congrats! I'll be 21 year peri-ampullary survivor on May this year. Glad to know that you're still active, jogging and hiking. Do you have a special diet? Are you taking any meds?

sweetlee said...

Wow a 55 year survivor for Wills tumor Congrats! I'll be 21 year peri-ampullary survivor on May this year. Glad to know that you're still active, jogging and hiking. Do you have a special diet? Are you taking any meds?

Anonymous said...

hi ms. swetlee!
i am scared. any idea where is the best hospital in manila to perform whipples procedure?

Anonymous said...

pls.. i am waiting for ur response ms sweetleee.. i am not sure if the doctor diagnosed corecctly my mother. i want to go for a second opinion and if whipples operation nedds to be done which hospital is the best to go to? from. barbara. rizal

Anonymous said...

Hello,

It's nice to know someone who I can relate well. I'm hoping to achieve what you have achieved. I've done my Whipples' for my periampullary CA and now doing my Chemo. Hoping to do also is to share my experiences through blog. :)

Ram, 27, Taytay, Rizal

Unknown said...

Hi I need your help how can I contact you here's my email genevieveyoung17@ymail.com please reply soon thank you so much

sweetlee said...

Hi Gen'
Sorry for the late reply. I had my whipple procedure in US. Pls wait for the result of the biopsy. Your doctor can help you in referring the best surgeon in the Phil. Today is the 25th anniversary of my surgery. God is great.

Anonymous said...

Hi
I am really hopeful after reading your blog, recently my relative had undergone a whipples and underwent chemo too. Luckily he id doing well, however worried about the future as he has a young family with two kids 5 and 10 year old, Pls advice for the diet and all. Do you jog , exercise and feel normal as before, pls tell. You area great hope for us.

Best wishes



Sarah Morgan said...

There are some natural remedies that can be used in the prevention and eliminate diabetes totally. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetes control plan is adopting a wholesome lifestyle Inner Peace, Nutritious and Healthy Diet, and Regular Physical Exercise. A state of inner peace and self-contentment is essential to enjoying a good physical health and overall well-being. The inner peace and self contentment is a just a state of mind.People with diabetes diseases often use complementary and alternative medicine. I diagnosed diabetes in 2010. Was at work feeling unusually tired and sleepy. I borrowed a cyclometer from a co-worker and tested at 760. Went immediately to my doctor and he gave me prescriptions like: Insulin ,Sulfonamides,Thiazolidinediones but Could not get the cure rather to reduce the pain but bring back the pain again. i found a woman testimony name Comfort online how Dr Akhigbe cure her HIV  and I also contacted the doctor and after I took his medication as instructed, I am now completely free from diabetes by doctor Akhigbe herbal medicine.So diabetes patients reading this testimony to contact his email     drrealakhigbe@gmail.com   or his Number   +2348142454860   He also use his herbal herbs to diseases like:SPIDER BITE, SCHIZOPHRENIA, LUPUS,EXTERNAL INFECTION, COMMON COLD, JOINT PAIN, EPILEPSY,STROKE,TUBERCULOSIS ,STOMACH DISEASE. ECZEMA, GOUT, PROGENITOR, EATING DISORDER, LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION,  DIABETICS,HERPES,HIV/AIDS, ;ALS,  CANCER , TUMOR,  VIGOUR, HALITOSIS,  MENINGITIS, WAIST PAIN ,HEPATITIS A AND B,ASTHMA, HEART DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASE. NAUSEA VOMITING OR DIARRHEA,KIDNEY DISEASE. HEARING  LOSSDr Akhigbe is a good man and he heal anybody that comes to him. here is email    drrealakhigbe@gmail.com    and his Number +2349010754824

Sarah Morgan said...

There are some natural remedies that can be used in the prevention and eliminate diabetes totally. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetes control plan is adopting a wholesome lifestyle Inner Peace, Nutritious and Healthy Diet, and Regular Physical Exercise. A state of inner peace and self-contentment is essential to enjoying a good physical health and overall well-being. The inner peace and self contentment is a just a state of mind.People with diabetes diseases often use complementary and alternative medicine. I diagnosed diabetes in 2010. Was at work feeling unusually tired and sleepy. I borrowed a cyclometer from a co-worker and tested at 760. Went immediately to my doctor and he gave me prescriptions like: Insulin ,Sulfonamides,Thiazolidinediones but Could not get the cure rather to reduce the pain but bring back the pain again. i found a woman testimony name Comfort online how Dr Akhigbe cure her HIV  and I also contacted the doctor and after I took his medication as instructed, I am now completely free from diabetes by doctor Akhigbe herbal medicine.So diabetes patients reading this testimony to contact his email     drrealakhigbe@gmail.com   or his Number   +2348142454860   He also use his herbal herbs to diseases like:SPIDER BITE, SCHIZOPHRENIA, LUPUS,EXTERNAL INFECTION, COMMON COLD, JOINT PAIN, EPILEPSY,STROKE,TUBERCULOSIS ,STOMACH DISEASE. ECZEMA, GOUT, PROGENITOR, EATING DISORDER, LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION,  DIABETICS,HERPES,HIV/AIDS, ;ALS,  CANCER , TUMOR,  VIGOUR, HALITOSIS,  MENINGITIS, WAIST PAIN ,HEPATITIS A AND B,ASTHMA, HEART DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASE. NAUSEA VOMITING OR DIARRHEA,KIDNEY DISEASE. HEARING  LOSSDr Akhigbe is a good man and he heal anybody that comes to him. here is email    drrealakhigbe@gmail.com    and his Number +2349010754824

Blood Moon

I captured this Super Blood Moon last January 2018 from our balcony.