Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer?

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More than 60,000 American men and women are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. Between 5 and 10 percent of pancreatic cancers are hereditary. Mostly this condition happens randomly and oftentimes, by the time it’s diagnosed, it has spread making it difficult to treat.  Our team at Dignity Health in Arizona is making great strides in both the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, including the use of advanced robotic surgery procedures like the Whipple. 

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Treatment Locations

At Dignity Health Arizona, our hospitals are staffed with experts in diagnosing and treating pancreatitis and malignant tumors found in the pancreas.

Chandler Regional Medical Center

1955 W. Frye Rd.

Chandler, AZ, 85224

(480) 728-3000

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Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

3555 S. Val Vista Dr.

Gilbert, AZ, 85297

(480) 728-8000

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Diagnosing & Treating Pancreatic Cancer

Causes & Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for patients with pancreatic cancer, including: 
  • Age (over 50) and ethnicity (African American)
  • Chronic pancreatitis and diabetes
  • Family history
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Male
  • Smoking
  • Weight

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Diagnosis & Treatment

A pancreatic tumor can only be seen on an imaging study such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), making diagnosis difficult.

Different types of treatment are available for patients with pancreatic cancer and may consist of:

  • Radiofrequency ablations
  • Chemo-embolization chemotherapy 
  • Radio-embolization radioactive beads
  • Minimally invasive techniques including the Whipple

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Symptoms & Prevention

Some symptoms can include itchy, yellowing skin and eyes, gray-colored stool, and lower back or belly pain. While there are no exact preventative methods for cancer of the pancreas, ways to lower your chances include:
  • Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating less red and processed meats
  • Limiting alcohol consumption; stopping tobacco use

Screening tests don’t typically detect pancreatic cancer early, so making personal changes may be one of the best ways to prevent the disease.

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Whipple Procedure Overview

The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the most common surgery to remove tumors in the pancreas. Surgery to remove a tumor offers the best chance for long-term control of all pancreatic cancer types. The Whipple removes and reconstructs a large part of the gastrointestinal tract and is a difficult and complex operation.

Who is eligible?

If a tumor is in the head of the pancreas, has not spread to other areas of the body and can be removed surgically, the Whipple may be used. Up to 20 percent of pancreatic patients may be eligible. Talk to a Dignity Health Arizona physician to find out if the Whipple is right for you.

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Questions to Ask

  • Can my tumor be removed through robotic or laparoscopic surgery?
  • How many pancreatic surgeries have you performed? How many in the past year?
  • How many pancreatic surgeries are performed at your hospital every year?
  • What are the possible complications of pancreatic surgery?
  • How long should I expect to be in the hospital recovering after pancreatic surgery?
  • Would you be able to recommend another experienced surgeon for a second opinion?

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Types of Robotic Whipple Procedures

  • Conventional Whipple
    The conventional process requires removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, and a portion of the stomach, as well as the gallbladder and a section of the bile duct. The remaining areas are reconnected to the digestive tract to restore flow of digestion, digestive enzymes and bile. 

  • Pylorus-sparing Whipple
    In a pylorus-sparing Whipple, the portion of the stomach is not removed during the operation. This procedure is done for smaller tumors or benign disease. 

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Find a local Pancreatic Cancer Expert

Doctors at Dignity Health hospitals are here to talk about your symptoms and concerns. We have the tools to diagnose and treat cancer of the pancreas, so you can trust the quality of our care.

Dignity Health offers a wide range of services for pancreatic cancer and other diseases of the pancreas, liver, bile duct and biliary system.

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