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Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

December 26, 2024
Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Nikhil AgrawalDr. Nikhil AgrawalLead GI-HPB Surgical Oncologist
Apollo HospitalsContact

Frequently Asked Questions

Pancreas is a flat organ lying in upper abdomen behind your <a href="/stomach-cancer" className="text-cyan-600 hover:underline">stomach</a>. It is a soft gland, which is divided into head, body and tail. Many vital structures passes through it or very close to it.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas develops mutations, becomes cancerous (malignant), begin to multiply out of control, form a mass and then spreads.
Pancreatic cancer: do you know?
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are: • Jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes and urine with pale stools) • Abdominal pain • Weight loss and loss of appetite • Recent onset diabetes
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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Once <a href="/pancreas" className="text-cyan-600 hover:underline">pancreatic cancer</a> is suspected, it is diagnosed and staged by a high resolution, thin cut, triple phase CT scan. Your surgeon will also do tests to quantify your jaundice, check your kidney function, haemoglobin and blood clotting parameters. A tumor marker called as CA19.9 will also be checked. A chest X-ray or a CT scan of chest will be done to look for any tumor in the chest. Some centres might also do a CT-PET scan.
Which surgery is done for pancreatic body and tail cancers?
For <a href="/pancreas" className="text-cyan-600 hover:underline">pancreatic</a> body & tail tumors surgery is the best option if cancer is diagnosed at a resectable stage. A <a href="/pancreas-surgery-distal-pancreatectomy" className="text-cyan-600 hover:underline">distal pancreatectomy</a> or pancreaticosplenectomy is done. For early tumors, this procedure is done laparoscopically, which results in less pain and faster recovery.
The best treatment for <a href="/pancreas" className="text-cyan-600 hover:underline">pancreatic cancer</a> is surgery, if it is possible. Surgery should only be considered if the tumor can be completely removed, as partial removal does not improve patients' chances of living longer. In some cases, complete removal of tumour is possible after a few cycles of chemotherapy.

Detect Early, Treat Right, Save Lives!

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal

About Author

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal
MS, MCh

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a leading GI-HPB Surgical Oncologist with 20+ years of experience in complex cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. He leads the GI-HPB Oncology Program at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi and Gurugram, with expertise in advanced robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery.

His practice focuses on evidence-based, multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on individualized treatment and long-term outcomes.

He trained at BHU, SGPGI Lucknow, AIIMS New Delhi, and SNUBH, South Korea, and is a robotic surgery proctor who trains surgeons in advanced GI-HPB cancer surgery. He is also regularly invited as faculty at national and international scientific meetings.

This website helps patients and families understand GI and HPB diseases and cancers, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery and long-term care.

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