Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

General Information

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which originates in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes. Pancreatic cancer is often considered aggressive because it tends to grow quickly and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. 

Risk factors may include smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes, family history, and certain genetic syndromes.

Symptoms

Early-stage pancreatic cancer often causes few or no noticeable symptoms, which contributes to delayed diagnosis. As the disease progresses, patients may experience persistent abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. 

Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a common symptom when tumors block the bile duct. Other possible signs include dark urine, pale stools, and new-onset diabetes, particularly in older adults. 

Many of these symptoms can be vague and overlap with other conditions, which means they are sometimes overlooked.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, laboratory work, and tissue sampling. 

Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound help identify tumors and determine their size and spread. 

Blood tests may include tumor markers, although these are not definitive on their own. A biopsy—removal of a small tissue sample—is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. 

Staging is then performed to assess whether the cancer is localized, locally advanced, or metastatic, which guides treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, overall health, and patient preferences. Surgery offers the best chance for a cure, but is only possible when the cancer is detected early and confined to the pancreas. 

The most common procedure is the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), which is performed frequently by our surgical team.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery or as primary treatments in advanced cases. 

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are emerging options for certain patients with specific genetic markers. 

Supportive care, including pain management and nutritional support, is also an important part of comprehensive treatment.