Pancreatic Cancer

Since there are no early signs of pancreatic cancer, symptoms typically show up when the tumor begins impacting other organs in your digestive system. Once this happens, it is important to seek care quickly.

Symptoms can include:

• Dark-colored urine
• Diarrhea, constipation, or unusual stool color
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or throwing up
• Pain in the upper belly or back
• Swollen belly (bloating from fluid buildup)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Factors that may increase risk include:

• Being overweight and not getting enough exercise
• Diabetes
• Digestive issues or stomach problems
• Exposure to pesticides, dyes, or chemicals at work
• Family history (raises your risk threefold)
• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Long-term pancreas inflammation (chronic pancreatitis)

Making basic lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of pancreatic cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or may be at risk, contact your primary care doctor.

Because tumors of the pancreas often tend to look the same under a microscope, diagnosis can be difficult. Knowing this, our specialists may perform several tests, including:

Biopsy

A small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope.

Blood tests

Serves to detect signs of pancreatic cancer by measuring substances like tumor markers.

Endoscopy

This minimally invasive procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the area in question.

Imaging

CT scans and MRIs create detailed internal body images to detect abnormalities.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)

In this procedure, contrast dye is injected into the bile ducts through a needle in the skin to detect blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

This imaging test uses a radioactive tracer to find cancer cells, which can have increased metabolic activity in the body.

Ultrasound (transabdominal, endoscopic)

This test uses sound waves to create images of the pancreas and surrounding structures, either externally through the abdomen or internally using an endoscope.

There are multiple treatment plans for pancreatic cancer depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor. Often, surgery is used in the early treatment of pancreatic cancer. Whatever your treatment holds, know that we will be there for you with the latest technology and the support you need to get through this.

Pancreatic cancer treatments may include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, often in combination with other treatments.

Distal or total pancreatectomy

This type of surgery involves the removal of part or all of the pancreas.

External radiation (external beam therapy)

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and shrink pancreatic tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to help recognize and attack pancreatic cancer cells. Treatments may include checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, CAR T-cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies.

NanoKnife

NanoKnife is a minimally invasive surgery which uses electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells, including robotic pancreatic surgery, which uses small, precise incisions to remove tumors.

Stereotactic radiation therapy

Stereotactic radiation therapy is a highly focused form of radiation used to deliver precise, high-dose beams to pancreatic tumors with minimal impact on the surrounding area.

Targeted therapy

These treatments are designed to block specific changes in cancer cells that help them grow and spread, while sparing healthy cells.

Whipple procedure

Removes the head of the pancreas along with parts of the small intestine, bile duct, and stomach.