Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Care
Dedicated pancreatic specialists provide compassionate care.
If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you need access to the latest treatments. Novant Health Cancer Institute is nationally recognized for its advanced procedures and treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. Your team includes expert surgeons who focus only on surgeries of the pancreas and liver, as well as top dedicated oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. We’re here for you.
Understanding pancreatic cancer
Your pancreas releases enzymes to help digestion and manage blood sugar by producing insulin. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a form of pancreatic cancer that affects the cells lining the ducts that carry enzymes from the pancreas. Early detection is difficult, so pancreatic cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin
- Change in stool or urine color
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Worsening diabetes
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer may include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scan imaging and surgical biopsies.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatments
Your cancer treatment plan will be based on the extent of the cancer. Your treatment will typically start with surgery and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these.
Why Choose Novant Health?
Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.
Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.
You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.
Nationally Recognized Care
As leading cancer care providers in North Carolina, Novant Health is recognized nationally for treatments and quality:
- Commission on Cancer (CoC)
- National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Accreditation (NAPRC)
- Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program
- Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium (SCOR)
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) accredited for cellular and immunotherapies
Who treats pancreatic cancer?
Medical oncologists
Medical Oncologists are cancer specialists with deep knowledge of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments used to treat your cancer. They work closely with surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists to manage your treatment.
Radiation oncologists
Radiation oncologists are physicians with specialized training in the safe and effective use of ionizing radiation therapy to treat many types of cancers. Your radiation oncologist works closely with you and your care team to help determine the best treatment approach for your unique diagnosis.
Radiologists
Radiologists use imaging scans like CTs and MRIs to help locate and diagnose your cancer.
Surgical oncologists
Surgical oncologists specialize in minimally invasive procedures to remove cancer cells and nearby tissue and lymph nodes.
Gastroenterologists
A gastroenterologist specializes in treating diseases in your digestive system, such as the liver or gallbladder.
Support specialists
At Novant Health Cancer Institute, we take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to your care and treatment. You may work with a variety of highly trained specialists, including geneticists, nutritionists, pathologists, and palliative and alternative care experts.
You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion.
Are you concerned or confused about a cancer diagnosis or treatment recommendation you've received?
Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out for a virtual session or in-person consultation.
Experience the Future of Cancer Care, Today.
Together, we can beat cancer. Clinical research studies drive breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of many cancer conditions.
If eligible to join a clinical trial, you could access new cancer treatments before they’re available to the general public. Explore clinical trials and speak with your cancer team to see if any are right for you.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health