Pancreatic Cancer
Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program specialists use the most advanced treatments for pancreatic cancer close to home.
Pancreatic cancer affects more than 64,000 Americans each year. Virtua interventional gastroenterologists and Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program specialists work side by side to provide the most advanced diagnosis and treatments available, here in South Jersey.
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often does not cause any symptoms until it has progressed to a later stage. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes
- Light-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
- Pain in your abdomen that radiates to your back
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itchy skin
- New diagnosis of diabetes, or existing diabetes that becomes difficult to control
- Blood clots
- Fatigue
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis at Virtua
If your doctor suspects you may have pancreatic cancer, they will recommend a series of tests.
These may include:
- Blood tests to measure your liver function, pancreatic digestive enzymes, white blood count and blood sugar and calcium levels, as well as the presence of proteins called tumor markers
- Imaging tests such as MRI and CT to look for the presence of tumors or cysts in your pancreas, inflammation, or bile duct problems
- Endoscopic ultrasound uses a long tube and sound waves to record detailed images of the pancreas and ducts. Tissue and cyst fluid samples can be taken at the same time
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which uses a long tube with a camera on the end to look at your pancreas and bile duct, take tissue samples, place stents to relieve blockages, and break up bile duct stones
- Biopsy, which uses a needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your pancreas
If your doctor determines you have pancreatic cancer, they will determine the extent, or stage, of the cancer. This will help guide the treatments that may be most beneficial to you.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Treatment for your pancreatic cancer will depend on the stage and location of your tumor. You and your team, which may include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist, will determine the best treatment for you.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery: The cancerous part of the pancreas and nearby lymph nodes may be removed. The entire pancreas also may be removed.
- Radiation therapy: Beams of high energy are used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy, including proton therapy, may be used alone, in combination with chemotherapy, and/or before or after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs injected into a vein or taken orally help to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used in combination with radiation.
- Targeted therapy: Specialized drugs are directed at proteins or enzymes that help cancer cells grow.
- Immunotherapy: Medicines stimulate or enhance a person’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Through the Penn Medicine | Virtua Cancer Program, you also have access to clinical trials for the newest therapies. Speak to your care team to learn more.
Virtua Pancreatic Cancer Specialists
The Penn Medicine | Virtua Cancer Program provides you with the most advanced care, close to home.
The Virtua Difference for Pancreatic Cancer Care
Caring for you, not just your cancer
At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You also have access to resources like counseling, pain management, and wellness services. This holistic approach led to our accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Caring for you, not just your cancer
At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You also have access to resources like counseling, pain management, and wellness services. This holistic approach led to our accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Advanced therapies
The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offers the most advanced radiation therapies, including proton therapy. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Proton Therapy Center is the only facility of its kind in South Jersey.
Advanced therapies
The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program offers the most advanced radiation therapies, including proton therapy. The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Proton Therapy Center is the only facility of its kind in South Jersey.
Genetic testing
While 90% of cancers develop due to lifestyle, environmental, or aging factors, 5 to 10% of cancers are passed down from generation to generation. If you or your family members have been diagnosed with colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, or uterine cancer, you could be at increased risk for developing these cancers. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, genetic counseling and testing are available to help clarify your risk.
Genetic testing
While 90% of cancers develop due to lifestyle, environmental, or aging factors, 5 to 10% of cancers are passed down from generation to generation. If you or your family members have been diagnosed with colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, or uterine cancer, you could be at increased risk for developing these cancers. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, genetic counseling and testing are available to help clarify your risk.
Support servcies
At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, you have access to nurse navigation services to help you through the challenges of cancer treatment. You can connect with a social worker or join a support group. You can get help managing fatigue or get wigs and scarves to cope with hair loss. You also have access to lymphedema therapy, smoking cessation, and nutritional counseling.
Support servcies
At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, you have access to nurse navigation services to help you through the challenges of cancer treatment. You can connect with a social worker or join a support group. You can get help managing fatigue or get wigs and scarves to cope with hair loss. You also have access to lymphedema therapy, smoking cessation, and nutritional counseling.
Virtua Pancreatic Cancer Care Locations
Our cancer centers in Moorestown, Voorhees, and Washington Township provide nationally recognized care, right in your neighborhood.
Get a second opinion
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can leave you with a lot of questions. If you’re newly diagnosed and would like a second opinion, our Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program specialists are here to help.