KTPH Hepato–Pancreato–Biliary Surgery Service (HPB)

Several types of growths can occur in the pancreas, including growths that are cancerous and non-cancerous, and some are not cancerous yet but carry a risk of developing into cancer over time. The most common form of cancer of the pancreas begins in the cells lining the ducts carrying digestive enzymes (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma).

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer spreads easily and does not usually cause symptoms until it has spread to or blocked a nearby organ : it is seldom detected at an early stage where it is curable. The options for treatment of pancreatic cancer are determined by the extent of invasion and spread, as well as the fitness of the patient to undergo the treatment.

Options include surgery to remove the cancer and surrounding lymph nodes, surgical bypass of blockages, endoscopic stents or percutaneous biliary drains to relieve blockages, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, best supportive care for pain relief and comfort, or a combination of these.