Cancer is a term we often fear, instilling an impending sense of dread, worry, and concern.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to detect, often progressing without symptoms until a late-stage diagnosis.
Could a whole-body MRI scan tip the scales of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis?
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the pancreas start to multiply out of control, resulting in the formation of a tumor.
Exocrine tumors comprise over 90% of pancreatic tumors. The most common type of exocrine tumor is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glands that line your organs.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is often asymptomatic, showing no signs of the disease until the late stages. Symptoms will typically emerge when the tumor starts to impact other organs.
Signs that pancreatic cancer has spread (metastasized) may include:
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
- Upper abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Gas or bloating
- Blood clots
- Itchy skin
Recognizing the Risk: Underlying Causes and Risk Factors
While pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, cases are continuing to rise. It is projected that by 2030, it will be the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Unfortunately, as with certain types of cancer, the cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. However, the American Cancer Society reports they have discovered many of the risk factors associated with this disease and how it has led the way to cells becoming cancerous.
Pancreatic cancer risk factors include those within your control and those based on your biological makeup.
Risk factors within your control include:
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis
Risk factors concerning your biological makeup include:
- Age: Your risk for developing pancreatic cancer increases as you age, with an average age of 70 at the time of diagnosis.
- Sex: Males are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
- Race: African Americans are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, though the reasoning behind this remains unclear.
Pancreatic Cancer Screening: Can a Full Body MRI Tip the Scales?
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages. This is due in part to its asymptomatic nature but also given the placement of the pancreas.
The pancreas sits deep inside the abdomen, nestled between the spine and the stomach. Only upon interference with the digestive system does pancreatic cancer begin to show itself. Unfortunately, at this stage, it may be too late.
While no screening tests exist yet for this type of cancer, there may be hope for those who present a high risk for the disease.
A full-body MRI scan is the latest advancement in healthcare technology and one that could pave the way for hope for those with a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A full-body MRI scan uses a combination of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed images of the body’s internal structure.
When you undergo an MRI scan in Charleston, SC, we screen for nearly 500 health conditions across 13 organ systems, including the pancreas. For those with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or a known genetic syndrome that could increase their risk, a full-body MRI scan may be the answer for early detection and a future paved with hope.
Tip the Scales of Health in Your Favor with MRI Wellness
At MRI Wellness, we believe in taking a proactive approach to your health. Whether you are at risk for pancreatic cancer or are in search of peace of mind in your healthcare journey, we can help.
Our innovative MRI experience aims to deliver accuracy, speed, safety, and, above all, comfort. Our belief is that when you have all eyes on your health, there is peace of mind and confidence to be found in your future.
With three options for MRI scans near you available, you can take the first step toward gaining a full picture of your health.
Contact our team at MRI Wellness today, or schedule your scan now.
