Pancreatic Cancer in Houston

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult. As the disease progresses, patients may experience:

• Persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark-colored urine
• Light-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not always known, but several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

• Age: Most cases occur in individuals over 60
• Smoking: One of the most significant risk factors
• Family history: A history of pancreatic cancer in close relatives
• Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas
• Diabetes: Particularly new-onset diabetes in older adults
• Obesity: Linked to an increased risk
• Diet: A diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables
• Exposure to chemicals: Certain workplace chemicals may contribute to the risk

Understanding and managing these risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

At Curative Digestive Disease Center, our providers use cutting-edge diagnostic techniques to detect and evaluate pancreatic cancer, including:

• Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, and PET scans to visualize tumors
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): A minimally invasive procedure to obtain high-resolution images of the pancreas
• Biopsy: A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy performed during EUS to collect tissue samples for analysis
• Blood Tests: CA 19-9 tumor marker testing to assist in monitoring the disease

Early and accurate diagnosis allows for a more effective treatment for digest health plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

Treatment and Management

Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease, overall health, and individual patient preferences. Curative Digestive Disease Center offers a range of advanced treatment options, including:

Surgical Treatments:

• Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct.
• Distal Pancreatectomy: Removes the tail and body of the pancreas.
• Total Pancreatectomy: Complete removal of the pancreas in rare cases.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Chemotherapy: Often used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or prevent recurrence.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells to slow or stop tumor growth.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on cancer cell-specific genes or proteins.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
• Palliative Care: Symptom management to improve quality of life for advanced cases.

Our multidisciplinary team works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why Choose Curative Digestive Disease Center?

At Curative Digestive Disease Center, we provide comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge care for pancreatic treatement Houston for cancer patients.

• Expert Providers: Our experienced team specializes in diagnosing and treating complex gastrointestinal and hepatology conditions.
• State-of-the-Art Diagnostics: Advanced imaging, endoscopic procedures, and in-house pathology for fast and accurate results.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor each patient’s treatment to their unique needs and condition.
• Collaborative Care: We coordinate with oncologists, surgeons, and specialists to provide seamless care.
• Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize patient education, comfort, and support throughout the entire treatment journey.