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Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis: Understanding the Factors
Introduction
Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease with a range of prognosis depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help patients and their loved ones make informed decisions about treatment and care.
Factors Influencing Prognosis
Stage at Diagnosis
One of the most significant prognostic factors is the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. The SEER database tracks 5-year relative survival rates based on the stage of the cancer:
- Localized: 39%
- Regional: 12%
- Distant: 3%
Size and Type of Tumor
The size and type of the tumor also play a role in prognosis. Smaller tumors with a low grade of malignancy tend to have a better prognosis than larger, high-grade tumors.
Lymph Node Involvement
The presence of cancer in the lymph nodes near the pancreas can significantly affect prognosis. Patients with lymph node involvement have a lower survival rate than those without lymph node involvement.
Degree of Resectability
Whether the tumor can be surgically removed (resected) is another critical prognostic factor. Patients who can undergo surgery and have their tumor completely removed have a better chance of long-term survival.
Progression Factors
In addition to the initial prognostic factors, certain factors can influence the progression of pancreatic cancer and impact the outlook:
- Age at diagnosis
- Overall health and comorbidities
- Response to treatment
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