Cancer experts reveal how aggressive treatment has transformed Sven Goran Eriksson's face -with...
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England manager who is seriously ill, appears completely different in sneak peeks of an upcoming documentary where he shares a farewell message.
The 76-year-old announced earlier this year that he has pancreatic cancer. He mentioned that in the best possible outcome, he may only live for one more year.
At the conclusion of a documentary about his life on Amazon Prime titled 'Sven', Eriksson delivered a touching final message that will be broadcast on Friday evening.
He expressed, "I've had a fulfilling life. I believe that everyone harbors a fear of the unknown that comes with death, but it's also an integral part of living."
As supporters shared their concerns on social media about Eriksson's deteriorating health, others were curious about his abnormally swollen and circular face.
Sven-Goran Eriksson has shared a farewell message in a documentary reflecting on his life.
According to experts, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s fuller and more swollen appearance is due to the intense cancer treatment he has been undergoing.
People on the online platform Reddit mentioned that he appears to be 'obviously not feeling well'.
Another commenter suggested that the person in question appears swollen from taking steroids, which were likely prescribed to improve their appetite and combat tiredness.
Specialists have informed MailOnline that the soccer star's recent change in appearance is probably due to a barrage of intensive cancer treatments - such as chemotherapy and steroids administered to decrease inflammation.
Known as the 'silent killer' because its symptoms are not always obvious, pancreatic cancer causes the death of approximately 10,000 people in the UK annually.
Many times, treatments are not effective because the disease is typically discovered at advanced stages. Only 40 percent of individuals will live for more than five years after being diagnosed.
The primary options for treating pancreatic cancer are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures.
Nonetheless, Professor Tobias Arkenau, a consultant medical oncologist at The Princess Grace and The Wellington Hospital, explained that it is the steroids used in combination with other therapies that may lead to swelling.
Drugs like dexamethasone, prednisolone, and hydrocortisone not only assist individuals in dealing with chemotherapy by decreasing nausea and stopping adverse effects, but they also provide patients with a sense of increased strength, according to Professor Arkenau.
In January, Sven-Goran Eriksson, pictured before the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Quarter-final game, announced that he has pancreatic cancer. He mentioned that in the best possible outcome, he may have only one year remaining to live.
Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a 'silent assassin' because its symptoms can be very vague and are typically only detected once the disease has already progressed to later stages.
He said: 'Unfortunately, the side effects include facial swelling and neck swelling, which is quite common.'
Using steroids doesn't just make you hungrier, they also make you retain water in your face and neck, causing swelling.
Professor Arkenau stated that steroids can lead to increased neck strength and a fuller face, but they can also result in thinner legs due to decreased muscle mass and tone.
Pancreatic cancer can raise the likelihood of developing a blood clot, and certain therapies like chemotherapy can also heighten this risk, as stated by Pancreatic Cancer Action.
According to Professor Arkenau, pancreatic cancer carries a significant risk of developing blood clots.
This is due to the fact that individuals with pancreatic cancer frequently experience blood that has a tendency to clot easily, as stated by Cancer Research UK.
One explanation for this is that the cancer cells produce substances that encourage the body to create clotting factors. These are proteins produced by the liver to assist in stopping blood flow.
Blood clots can appear in the deep veins of the body, often in the leg. However, they can also form in smaller veins in other areas, like the face and neck.
The pancreas is a organ shaped like a tadpole that is a part of the digestive system and plays an important role in regulating hormones.
The organ is situated directly behind the belly and measures approximately 25 centimeters in size.
In its function in digestion, it aids in creating enzymes that assist the body in breaking down food into the necessary nutrients.
It is also important for producing hormones that regulate the body's blood sugar levels.
Possible signs of pancreatic cancer may include jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, as well as itching and darker urine.
Additional potential indicators may encompass reduced hunger, unintentional decrease in body weight, infrequent bowel movements, or abdominal swelling.
Even though the chances are low that the symptoms are cancer, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any serious issues, especially if the symptoms have been present for more than four weeks.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer, with a survival rate of only about 5 percent.
Joan Crawford, Patrick Swayze, and Luciano Pavarotti all passed away due to pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths in the UK, ranking sixth in terms of frequency. Approximately 10,000 individuals receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis each year in the UK, while the number is around 55,000 in the US.
What is the reason behind it?
The reason for this is the irregular and unregulated multiplication of cells in the pancreas, which is a large gland in the digestive system.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
The majority of cases (90 percent) occur in individuals aged 55 and older.
Approximately half of the new instances happen to individuals who are 75 years old or above.
Out of every ten cases, one is said to be caused by genetics.
Other factors that can contribute to this issue are advancing age, tobacco use, and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes.
What makes it so deadly?
There is currently no way to detect pancreatic cancer through screening.
Pancreatic cancer often does not display signs during the initial phases, when it could be easier to treat.
People who are affected by this illness often begin to show noticeable symptoms like yellowing of the skin and pain in the abdomen during stages 3 or 4, by which point it has probably already moved to other parts of the body.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE WAYS TO TREAT IT?
The best solution for treatment is having the pancreas removed.
This method is not very effective for people whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
In those situations, palliative care is recommended to help reduce their suffering as they near the end of life.
