Pancreatic Cancer
Each year, pancreatic cancer affects nearly 30,000 people in the United States. Most are over 50 with no family history of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early and difficult to treat in advanced stages.
The pancreas, located between your stomach and spine, makes enzymes to help digest your food and releases insulin.
Your risk for pancreatic cancer increases with age. In its early stages, pancreatic cancer often has no symptoms, and there is no screening test. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include diabetes, obesity and tobacco use.
The gastrointestinal cancer specialists at University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) meet as a team to arrive at ideal treatment plans for people with pancreatic cancer. Together, they combine deep experience in pancreatic surgery, such as the Whipple procedure with advanced therapy and chemotherapy techniques.
You may also be eligible to participate in a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer and receive advanced treatment available nowhere else.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is often well-advanced when symptoms appear. These may include:
- Dark urine and clay-colored stools
- Diabetes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Jaundice (yellow color in the whites of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes)
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly or abdomen
Pancreatic Cancer Stages
Stages of pancreatic cancer, ranging from Stage 0 through Stage IV, measure whether cancer is confined to the pancreas or how much it has spread to other organs. Staging is done with:
- Biopsy, which examines a tissue sample under a microscope to confirm a cancer diagnosis
- Imaging tests, such as CT or PET scans, to help determine if and where the cancer has spread
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Your treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage, or extent, of the cancer, and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, separately or in combination.
Depending on your condition you may also have targeted therapy that destroys specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. About 20 percent of patients with pancreatic cancer is able to have surgery. A common surgical treatment is Whipple surgery, which removes cancer from the head of the pancreas. Sometimes another treatment is used first to shrink the cancer tumor so that surgery becomes an option.
Pancreatic Cysts
Pancreatic cysts are noncancerous pockets of fluid on or in your pancreas. They are usually found during imaging tests like CT and MRI. Our team of cancer specialists
evaluates and manages pancreatic cysts. When necessary, our surgeons can remove them, often with minimally invasive surgery.
Make an Appointment
At UMGCCC, we help you and your family manage the stress that comes with major illnesses. You’ll receive compassionate care for your whole being, not just your condition.
Our comprehensive support services include nutritionists, pharmacists and social workers. Learn more about pancreatic cancer or schedule an appointment with one of our cancer specialists. Call 410-328-7904 or at 1-800-888-8823 if outside the Baltimore Metro area.
Referring Physicians
We make every effort to schedule new patient consultations within 24 to 48 hours. To schedule a consultation or refer a patient, call us at 410-328-7904 or at 1-800-888-8823 if outside the Baltimore Metro area.