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The specialists at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center take a collaborative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of both common and rare types of pancreatic cancer. Our research-backed clinical methods and advanced technologies provide precision results.

If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, our health care team creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific type and stage of pancreatic cancer and your individual needs. We are here to guide you from screening and diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

You can have pancreatic cancer and not know it. Pancreatic cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. As the disease progresses, there may be symptoms. Some are obvious, while others are more subtle.

See your doctor if you experience any new, persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:



  • Appetite loss or unintended weight loss
  • Blood clots
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates into the middle of the back
  • Sudden-onset diabetes


Any of these symptoms may instead be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer symptoms ➝

 

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Types of Pancreatic Cancers

The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that plays an important role in your digestion and blood sugar regulation. There are two types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine pancreatic cancer and endocrine pancreatic cancer. The cancer type corresponds to where in the pancreas the cancer develops. 

Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer

Exocrine pancreatic cancers account for approximately 93% of pancreatic cancer cases. This type of cancer starts in the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce enzymes for digestion.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of exocrine pancreatic cancer. It forms in the lining of the pancreas ducts and accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancers.

There are also other rare exocrine tumors, such as acinar cell carcinoma, intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm with an invasive adenocarcinoma.

Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer

Endocrine pancreatic cancers account for approximately 7% of pancreatic cancer cases. This type of cancer starts in the endocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

A pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, also known as a pancreatic NET or an islet cell tumor, is classified as either functional or nonfunctional. Functional neuroendocrine tumors produce excessive amounts of hormones. Non-functional neuroendocrine tumors do not produce excessive hormones.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Pancreatic Cancer Care

Our multidisciplinary team of experts provides innovative care, delivered with compassion. Oncology nurse navigators guide and support you through every stage of pancreatic cancer care — from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
Precision Diagnostics & Personalized Treatment Plans

Precision Diagnostics & Personalized Treatment Plans

Treating your individual cancer — so you can get back to your life.

Oncologists, gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons and other specialists work together to deploy a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We use advanced diagnostics and innovative treatment options in order to treat your cancer as quickly and safely as possible.
 
Advanced Research & Innovative Technology

Advanced Research & Innovative Technology

Leading research and clinical trials lead to new treatment options for your cancer.

Our pioneering research and our many clinical trials result in new therapies developed to cure cancer. Houston Methodist patients may access clinical trials offering potentially promising treatments not available to the public.
 

Ranked #18 in the Nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for cancer. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.


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Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

Currently, for people of average risk, there are no widely recommended screening tests to detect pancreatic cancer before symptoms occur. If you experience symptoms of pancreatic cancer, your doctor may perform one or more diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis and determine the specific type and stage of the cancer.

Blood tests can identify tumor markers that signal pancreatic cancer, such as elevated level of CA 19-9 or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). If you have jaundice, your doctor will also conduct a liver function test to look at your bilirubin levels.

Your doctor may conduct one or more imaging tests such as an endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computerized tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The images are used to identify the location of the pancreatic cancer and determine whether it has spread to other organs.

If necessary, your doctor may conduct a biopsy, a type of exploratory surgery to remove cells or tissue for testing in order to determine whether or not a tumor is cancerous.

How Pancreatic Cancer is Diagnosed

Personalized Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

We are committed to superior outcomes, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The board-certified pancreatic specialists at Houston Methodist are specially trained with expertise in managing the full spectrum of diseases of the pancreas.

If you receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, your oncology care team tailors your specific treatment plan to the unique characteristics of your type and stage of pancreatic cancer. We also consider your individual needs and lifestyle.

Diseases of the pancreas can cause chronic issues that impact health for years, and our medical professionals find it gratifying to provide life-altering interventions. Our goal is to provide effective treatments while preserving healthy tissue and cells. Your care team may use one or more of the following methods to treat and manage the cancer.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatment  ➝

Surgery
A surgical procedure may be conducted to remove the cancer from the pancreas.

The Whipple procedure removes tumors located on the right side (head) of the pancreas. The first part of the small intestine, gallbladder, part of the bile duct and nearby lymph nodes are typically removed as well.

A distal pancreatectomy removes tumors located on the left side (body and tail) of the pancreas. The spleen may also be removed. A pancreatectomy removes the entire pancreas.
 
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or halting cell division and growth. This treatment is typically administered orally (by mouth) or intravenously (with an IV).

If the cancer is localized to the pancreas, chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy in a treatment called chemoradiation. It's sometimes given before surgery to shrink the tumor and help make surgical removal more successful. It may be used after surgery to help ensure no cancer cells remain.
 
Radiation Therapy
For pancreatic cancer, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or as an alternative treatment if surgery is not an option.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing in a targeted, specific area. Radiation works by targeting abnormal cells, damaging their DNA so they are unable to reproduce.
 
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically recognize and target cancer cells to stop their growth without harming normal cells. Targeted therapeutic drugs often pinpoint specific mutations or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Targeted therapy can be taken orally. Your doctor may use targeted therapy as an initial treatment or combined with other treatments.
 

Houston Methodist Pancreatic Cancer Specialists

At Houston Methodist Cancer Center, our experienced team of pancreatic cancer specialists — including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators and support staff — is dedicated to stopping your cancer. 

We provide advanced cancer care at eight locations across the Greater Houston area, allowing you or your loved one to receive treatment close to home or work.

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    Pancreatic Cancer Education & Awareness

    We recognize that the sheer volume of pancreatic cancer information out there can be overwhelming, so we have streamlined it below to make it easier for you to digest as well as to make sure you understand what you absolutely need to know.

    • Pancreatic Cancer Information
    • Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
    • The Four Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
    • Pancreatic Cancer Information
      Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer, making it fairly common compared to other cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 66,440 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024.

      According to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer accounts for 3.3% of all new cancer diagnoses and 8.5% of all cancer deaths.
    • Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
      A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing pancreatic cancer. It is important to be aware of your individual risk factors.

      A family history of pancreatic, breast, colon, ovarian or prostate cancer may increase your risk. If you have a parent, sibling or multiple second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts or uncles) who have had pancreatic cancer, your doctor may discuss early screening, even if no symptoms are present.

      Personal risk factors include:
      • Age (most cases develop between the ages of 60 and 80 years, though you can get pancreatic cancer at any age)
      • Benign tumor or cyst, also known as an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)\
      • Chronic pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
      • Genetic mutation in the BRCA2 gene or Lynch syndrome
      • Personal history of pancreatic cancer
      • Type 2 diabetes

      Smoking is a major risk factor. The risk of getting pancreatic cancer doubles for people who smoke tobacco compared to those who do not smoke. Additional health and lifestyle risk factors include:

      • Heavy alcohol consumption
      • Heavy exposure to certain chemicals (carcinogens), particularly in the dry cleaning or metal-working industries
      • High consumption of red or processed meats
      • High consumption of soft drinks
      • Obesity
      • Sedentary lifestyles
      • Type 2 diabetes

       

      One or more risk factors does not guarantee you will develop pancreatic cancer. At the same time, few or no risk factors do not mean you will not develop pancreatic cancer.

      Learn more about pancreatic cancer risk factors  >

    • The Four Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
      If you receive a pancreatic diagnosis, your oncologist will determine the stage to understand the cancer size, location and metastasis (spread). Cancer staging helps your health care team know what areas of the body are affected and in need of treatment:
      • Stage 1 – Cancer is only located in the pancreas. It has not yet spread outside the pancreas.
      • Stage 2 – Cancer has spread outside the pancreas, possibly to nearby lymph nodes. It has not yet moved into a major blood vessel.
      • Stage 3 – Cancer has spread outside the pancreas and into nearby large blood vessels or major nerves.
      • Stage 4 – Cancer has spread into parts of the body far from the pancreas, such as the liver, lungs or inner lining of the abdomen. It is typically at this stage you may notice some symptoms.
       

    Pancreatic Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

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