Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma) is a malignant tumor that originates in the pancreas. According to its location, it is classified as cancer of the head, body, or tail of the pancreas, or cancer involving the entire pancreas. Cancer of the pancreatic head accounts for 70%–80% of cases, followed by cancer of the body and then the tail. Its development is associated with carcinogenic factors in the environment and certain pancreatic diseases.
Based on descriptions and analyses in classical texts of the symptoms, signs, and prognosis of related conditions, pancreatic cancer is primarily classified in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) under categories such as “Fu Liang” (abdominal mass), “Zheng Jia” (abdominal masses), “Ji Ju” (accumulations and gatherings), “Xie Tong” (hypochondriac pain), and “Huang Dan” (jaundice).
TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Fullness or pain below the ribs, epigastric oppression, poor appetite, nausea with a tendency to vomit, and a yellow, greasy or slippery tongue coating
In plain language:
- A feeling of tightness or distension below the ribs, as if something were blocking the area, sometimes accompanied by pain. Pressing the area or turning the body may make the discomfort more noticeable.
- A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, with poor appetite and reduced food intake; even seeing food may not stimulate interest in eating.
- Frequent nausea or a sensation of stomach contents rising, sometimes with a strong urge to vomit.
- The tongue coating appears yellow and greasy or yellow and slippery, and may look thick and coated.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and drain dampness; supplement qi and promote circulation to resolve stasis
In plain language:
- May help clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness, easing discomfort such as feverishness, restlessness, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, scant dark urine, or a thick, greasy tongue coating.
- May help support qi and vitality, easing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, or a lackluster complexion.
- May help promote blood circulation and address stasis, easing symptoms such as fixed stabbing pain, purplish discoloration or bruising, obstructed menstrual flow, or discomfort associated with a localized lump.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Irritability, bad breath, and a dark-red or crimson tongue with stasis spots
In plain language:
- Feeling restless and easily irritated, with a tendency to lose one’s temper and difficulty calming down.
- Noticeable bad breath, especially when speaking or when someone is nearby.
- The tongue appears dark red or deep crimson, and may have purplish spots or patches.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and resolve stasis; nourish yin and detoxify
In plain language:
- May help clear internal heat, easing discomfort such as feverishness, restlessness, thirst, or a sore, swollen throat.
- May help address blood stasis and promote circulation, easing symptoms such as fixed stabbing pain, bluish-purple discoloration or bruising, or a localized lump.
- May help nourish yin, easing discomfort such as dry mouth and tongue, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, or restlessness.
- May help eliminate harmful substances from the body, easing signs such as red, swollen sores, skin rashes, or a sore, swollen throat.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Reduced food intake and fatigue, bringing up sticky phlegm, a pale-yellow or sallow complexion, constipation, a dark-red tongue or stasis spots, a greasy coating that is yellow-white or slightly yellow, and a thready, rough or slippery pulse
In plain language:
- Poor appetite and reduced food intake, with low energy and a feeling of being easily exhausted even after doing a little activity.
- Nausea and retching, sometimes bringing up thick phlegm, with a persistent sticky feeling in the mouth or throat.
- The face looks pale yellow or sallow, with a dull, lackluster complexion.
- Stools are dry and hard to pass, requiring straining and often not leaving a sense of complete relief.
- The tongue appears dark red, with small purplish or dark spots or patches.
- The tongue coating is sticky and greasy, yellow-white or slightly yellow, and appears thick or coated.
- The pulse feels thin and weak, rough or unsmooth under pressure, or thin with a slightly slippery quality.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Supplement qi and strengthen the spleen; transform phlegm and dispel blood stasis
In plain language:
- May help support qi and spleen function, easing discomfort such as poor appetite, fatigue, lethargy, abdominal bloating, or loose stools.
- May help transform phlegm and dampness, easing symptoms such as thick phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or a sensation of blockage in the throat.
- May help address stagnation and promote blood circulation, easing symptoms such as fixed stabbing pain, bluish-purple discoloration or bruising, or discomfort associated with a localized lump.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dry eyes, heat in the palms, soles, and chest or a low-grade fever, and a red tongue with little coating
In plain language:
- The lower back and knees feel sore and weak, making it difficult to exert strength; this may be more noticeable with activity or after sitting for a long time.
- The eyes feel dry or gritty and may tire easily when looking at something for a long time; blinking or resting may bring some relief.
- The palms, soles, and chest may feel hot, with restlessness, or there may be a low-grade fever.
- The tongue appears red and has very little coating, with almost no thick coating visible when the tongue is extended.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish the kidneys and liver; clear heat and resolve stasis
In plain language:
- May help nourish the kidneys and support vitality, easing discomfort such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue, or night sweats.
- May help nourish the liver and support the blood, easing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood instability, or muscle and tendon tightness.
- May help clear internal heat, easing discomfort such as restlessness, thirst, a dry and sore throat, or facial flushing and feverishness.
- May help address blood stasis and promote circulation, easing symptoms such as fixed stabbing pain, bluish-purple discoloration or bruising, or a localized lump.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and package insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Siegel RL，Miller KD，Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2016[J]. CA Cancer J Clin，2016，66(1)：7-30.
- Wood NJ. Pancreatic cancer: pancreatic tumour formation and recurrence after radiotherapy are blocked by targeting CD44[J]. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol，2014，11(2)：73.
- Yang Yinmo, Liu Ziwen, Zhao Yupei, et al. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer (2014)[J]. Journal of Clinical Hepatology，2014，(12)：1240-1245.
- Liu Luming. TCM etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer and treatment based on disease differentiation[J]. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine，2008，6(12)：1297-1299.
- Lin Hongsheng. TCM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Tumors[M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House，2014.
- Hua Baojin. Annotations on TCM Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine，2015.