Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on your age and general health, as well as the size, location, and stage of the cancer. Your oncologist will work with you to create a treatment plan best suited for your prognosis.
Generally, treatment options include:
Surgery
If the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the pancreas, it will be removed along with part of the pancreas itself, and sometimes part of the small bowel as well. Some of the bile ducts, gall bladder, and stomach may also be removed if deemed necessary.
Chemotherapy
This course of medication aims to stop cancer cells from growing and reproducing. Chemotherapy is often administered after surgery, but can also be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with other therapies.
Radiotherapy
This form of treatment uses X-rays to target cancer cells and destroy them. Radiotherapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy when surgery isn’t a viable option.
Endoscopic treatment
If the cancer is blocking the bile duct, it can cause jaundice. Endoscopic surgery may relieve the pressure on the bile duct by inserting a small metal tube that keeps it open. Similar treatment may help keep other sections of the small intestine open if the cancer is pressing on them.
All treatments have side effects, which is why your oncologist carefully evaluates a number of factors while working on a treatment plan for you.