Some of the tests needed to gather more information

Specialist scans include:

  • Ultrasound scan
  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • CTPET 

If you have jaundice (yellow colouring of your skin and/or eyes), it’s important to find out why and also to treat it. 

An ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a special camera test performed in the Hospital. It helps the Doctor put a very fine tube called a stent into your bile duct to relieve the pressure from the tumour and allow the bile to flow freely. However it does not remove the tumour in the pancreas. 

What is a Multi Disciplinary Meeting (MDM)?

This meeting takes place every week in the Hospital. All the Doctors and Specialist Nurses involved in your care meet together to discuss the results of scans, camera tests and biopsies. This helps the MDM team to decide on the best treatment for you.

 

Some of the names that are used

  • Resectable: The tumour in the pancreas may be removed by an operation
  • Borderline resectable: The tumour is in the pancreas and is just a bit too big to remove without leaving any of it behind
  • Locally advanced: The tumour has grown outside the pancreas around the major blood vessels that lie behind the pancreas However, it has not spread to any other organ in the body such as the liver
  • Metastatic pancreatic cancer: The cancer started in the pancreas and has moved to other parts of the body, for example your liver

The different types of surgery

Depending on where the cancer is in your pancreas will determine the type of surgery you need: 

  • Whipple: This surgery is named after Allen Whipple, an American surgeon, who pioneered pancreatic surgery in the mid 1930’s. It is the name of the operation that removes cancer from the head of the pancreas. During this operation the head of the pancreas, part of the duodenum, bile duct, stomach and all of the gallbladder are removed.  
     
  • Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy: This is the operation that removes cancer from the body and tail of the pancreas. Usually the spleen is removed at the same time because it sits beside this part of the pancreas and the artery that connects to the spleen runs along the back of the body and tail of the pancreas.  
     
  • Total Pancreatectomy: This is the operation that removes all of the pancreas - head, body and tail. This type of surgery is only carried out under exceptional circumstances as it can have a big impact on your overall health and lifestyle. For example, it would mean that your blood sugars would be difficult to control and you would be dependent on insulin for the rest of your life.


 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy means the use of anti cancer drugs. It can be used for different reasons in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. These include:

  • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Drugs that are used to reduce the size of the tumour in the hope that it can be removed by an operation
  • Adjuvant chemotherapy: Drugs that are used after you have had surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back
  • Palliative chemotherapy: Drugs that are used to slow down the growth of your cancer - however they will not take the cancer away
  • Chemoradiotherapy: A combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy that targets the tumour in the pancreas

The part you can play

There are a number of things you can do during your treatment period:

Eat well

Even if you don’t have a very good appetite at the minute try to eat small meals more often. Remember to speak to your GP or Specialist Nurse and ask if you need PERT.

Exercise every day

This could be going for a walk, using the stairs more often or doing some light gardening. Whatever form of exercise you enjoy, its important to carry on doing it every day.

Rest for short times during the day

Especially if you feel very tired. A good night’s sleep every night is important. Speak to your GP or Specialist Nurse if you need help or advice about sleeping.

Talk to someone you trust

Especially if you feel afraid or anxious - talk about how you are feeling deep inside.

Be wise

If you develop fever, a high temperature, jaundice or uncontrolled shaking or shivering it is very important you seek medical help immediately.

Be kind to yourself

If you are experiencing pain, nausea and sickness, or any other troublesome symptoms please speak to your Doctor or Specialist Nurse as they will be able to help you.