Part six: Advanced cancer of the pancreas,prostate,stomach,and uterus

Abstract

This is the last article in a six-part series on metastatic spread and natural history of the 18 most lethal tumors. The articles summarize symptom/problem anticipation, cancer metastasis, and the 18 tumors that each cause more than 6000 deaths/year in the United States. Bladder and brain cancer were discussed, with information given on tumor types, metastatic spread and invasion, and common symptoms. Parts II, III, IV, and V charted the natural histories, problems, and assessment parameters of advanced cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, liver, and lung; and leukemia, melanoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancers of the oral cavity (and pharynx) and ovary. Part VI finishes the series with discussions of cancers of the pancreas, prostate, stomach, and uterus. Each of these cancers is presented separately, with information given on mortality rates, the most common tumor types, sites of metastases, common problems, and common oncology emergencies. Sites of spread, resulting problems (including site-specific symptoms), and assessment parameters are presented as tables. Material is presented so that clinicians are able to anticipate the spread of these cancers and can thus identify problems early in their development so that the problems are more easily managed.