Pancreas Cancer Surgery in Mumbai
Specialised Care for Pancreatic Cancer with a Thoughtful, Stage-Based Treatment Approach
Pancreas cancer develops in the pancreas, an organ that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Because early symptoms are often subtle, many patients are diagnosed after the disease has progressed. At VED Hospital, every patient undergoes a detailed evaluation to determine the stage of the cancer and the most appropriate combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with pancreas cancer, have persistent abdominal symptoms, or are seeking a second opinion, our multidisciplinary cancer team is here to guide you through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
What Symptoms Are You Experiencing?
Pancreas cancer often causes vague symptoms that may resemble common digestive problems. If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s important to seek specialist evaluation.
I've Been Having Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain
Ongoing pain in the upper abdomen or back should always be medically evaluated.
I've Lost Weight Without Trying
Unexplained weight loss may be associated with conditions affecting the pancreas.
My Skin or Eyes Have Turned Yellow
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) requires prompt medical assessment.
I've Been Diagnosed with Pancreas Cancer
Understanding your treatment options can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
I've Been Advised to Undergo Surgery
Learning about pancreatic surgery and other treatments can help you prepare for the next steps.
I'm Looking for a Second Opinion
A specialist review can help confirm your diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment plan.
Understanding Pancreas Cancer
Pancreas cancer develops when abnormal cells grow within the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar levels. Depending on the location and stage of the tumour, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Although pancreas cancer can be challenging to detect early, advances in imaging, surgery, and cancer treatment have improved treatment options for many patients.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop pancreas cancer. Likewise, many patients diagnosed with the disease have no identifiable risk factors. Although pancreas cancer can occur in anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Increasing Age
Smoking
Chronic Pancreatitis
Diabetes
Obesity
Family History
Inherited Genetic Conditions
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Unhealthy Dietary Habits
Signs That Shouldn't Be Ignored
Early assessment helps determine whether these symptoms are related to pancreas cancer or another pancreatic condition. Persistent digestive or unexplained general symptoms should never be overlooked, particularly when they continue for several weeks.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Persistent upper abdominal or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- New-onset diabetes without an obvious cause
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Ongoing weakness or fatigue
Care
Patient-Centered
Compassion
Human Touch
Cure
Trusted Outcomes
Pancreas Cancer Treatment Options
The recommended treatment depends on the stage of the disease, tumour location, and whether the cancer can be safely removed. In many cases, treatment involves a combination of therapies.
Pancreas Cancer Surgery
Surgery offers the best chance of treatment when the tumour is confined to the pancreas and can be safely removed. The type of surgery depends on the location and extent of the cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as the primary treatment for advanced disease.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be recommended for selected patients, often in combination with chemotherapy, to help control the disease or improve surgical outcomes.
Targeted Therapy
Some pancreas cancers may benefit from targeted medicines based on specific genetic or molecular changes identified through specialised testing
Immunotherapy
Selected patients with particular genetic characteristics may benefit from immunotherapy as part of their treatment plan.
Treatment for Pancreas Cancer
When the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas, treatment focuses on controlling the disease, relieving symptoms, maintaining nutrition, and improving quality of life through a combination of therapies.
Supportive & Nutritional Care
Nutritional support, pain management, enzyme replacement therapy, and symptom control play an important role throughout treatment and recovery.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits, imaging, blood tests, and clinical assessments help monitor recovery, evaluate treatment response, and detect recurrence as early as possible.
Finding Answers Before Starting Treatment
Before recommending treatment, our specialists carefully evaluate the tumour, its extent, and your overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Medical History
Understanding your symptoms, medical conditions, family history, lifestyle factors, and overall health.
Treatment Planning
Our surgical oncology, medical oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, pathology, and nutrition teams review all findings before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.
Blood Tests & Tumour Markers
Laboratory investigations, including selected tumour markers, may provide additional information during evaluation.
Clinical Examination
A detailed physical examination helps assess your overall condition and guides further investigations.
Advanced Imaging
CT scan, MRI, PET-CT, or Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) helps determine the size of the tumour, involvement of nearby blood vessels, lymph nodes, and possible spread.
Biopsy & Cancer Staging
A biopsy confirms the diagnosis, while imaging findings help accurately determine the stage of the disease.
Frequently Asked Question
Is surgery possible for every patient with pancreas cancer?
No. Surgery is recommended only when the tumour can be safely removed. The decision depends on the stage of the cancer, involvement of nearby blood vessels, and whether the disease has spread.
What is the Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure is a specialised operation performed for cancers located in the head of the pancreas. It involves removing the affected portion of the pancreas along with nearby structures before reconstructing the digestive tract.
Will I need chemotherapy before surgery?
Some patients receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumour and improve the chances of successful surgical removal. The treatment plan depends on the stage and location of the cancer.
Can pancreas cancer be treated without surgery?
Yes. When surgery is not possible, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care may help control the disease and relieve symptoms.
How often will I need follow-up after treatment?
Follow-up usually includes clinical examinations, blood tests, and imaging to monitor recovery, assess treatment response, and detect recurrence at an early stage.
Can pancreas cancer come back after treatment?
Although many patients respond well to treatment, recurrence is possible. Regular follow-up plays an important role in identifying any recurrence early, when additional treatment may be considered.
Take the Next Step Towards Expert Pancreas Cancer Care
Book a consultation with our cancer specialists at VED Hospital to discuss your diagnosis, understand your treatment options, and receive expert guidance for pancreas cancer treatment.
