Pancreatic Cancer

Personalized, present care is vital if you are one of the more than 53,000 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually. SSM Health is ready to give you that personalized, present care and treatment you need after a diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer develops when the cells in the pancreas grow at an abnormal rate. Your pancreas is responsible for making certain hormones, and plays a large part in the digestion process. When pancreatic cancer goes undetected it can continue growing, affecting not only its primary functions, but also other organs.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer 

There are two overarching types of pancreatic cancer:

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer: most common type
• Pancreatic endocrine tumors (neuroendocrine tumors): account for less than 5% of all diagnoses

Signs & Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Because of the pancreas’ location, feeling and finding tumors is virtually impossible in the early stages. When people begin noticing symptoms, it has usually spread to other, nearby, organs. Some of these symptoms include:

• Yellow skin and eyes
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stool
• Discomfort in upper abdomen or upper back
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Depression

We understand that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is not an easy thing to process. At SSM Health, we’re here with you to answer your questions, calm your fears and walk with you through your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treating Your Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is still under the research microscope. A lot is unknown about the disease but strides are being made and successful outcomes are increasing in number.

Together, with your SSM Health physician, we’ll develop a maintenance or treatment plan to best suit your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health. To learn more about your options, find a specialist near you.