Problem:
Pancreatic Cancer Case Study: J.C. This is a case study of J.C., an 82-year-old male with confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), involving the head of the pancreas, I will discuss staging of the cancer, potential complications, and nursing considerations. Common Sites of Metastasis The most common sites of PDAC metastasis are the liver, peritoneum, lungs, and lymphatic nodes (Ilic & Ilic, 2022). The liver is the primary site of pancreatic cancer spread because portal vein connects the pancreas with venous system. In J.C.'s case, a peripancreatic lymph node appears metastatic, and the tumor protrudes into the superior mesenteric vein which indicates possible bloodstream spread. Bilirubin is (1.9 mg/dL) indicates biliary obstruction from a head-of-pancreas tumor, which is very common in PDAC. Tumor Markers Tumor markers are substances produced either by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. In PDAC, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is the commonly used tumor marker. It helps in staging, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment response, and detecting recurrence (Hong et al., 2023). In J.C.'s case, cancer was confirmed by biopsy, CA 19-9 can be used to evaluate how this patient responds to treatment. TNM Classification The TNM classification system is usually used for staging and treatment management. In J.C.s case: T (Tumor): The tumor is >4 cm and involves the superior mesenteric vein and pancreatic duct. Need Assignment Help?