Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer assessment and surgery

Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on the tumour’s location, whether it involves nearby vessels or has spread, and a person’s fitness for treatment. Surgery offers an important treatment option when the cancer can be safely removed.

Symptoms to discuss promptly

  • Jaundice, dark urine, pale stool or itching
  • Persistent upper abdominal or back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • New diabetes, worsening glucose control, nausea or weakness

Assessment and staging

  • Pancreas-protocol contrast CT and sometimes MRI
  • Liver-function tests and other blood tests
  • Endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy when required
  • Multidisciplinary review to classify the tumour as resectable, borderline or advanced

Treatment planning may include

  • Whipple procedure for selected tumours in the pancreatic head
  • Distal pancreatectomy for selected tumours in the body or tail
  • Chemotherapy before or after surgery according to stage
  • Stent placement, symptom control and supportive care when needed

Before consultation

  • Bring the pancreas-protocol CT or MRI images and reports
  • Bring biopsy, endoscopy and stent reports
  • Record weight change, jaundice and changes in diabetes
  • Bring a medicine list and details of heart, lung or kidney conditions

Seek urgent care for

  • • Jaundice with fever or chills
  • • Repeated vomiting or inability to eat or drink
  • • Severe worsening pain, fainting or confusion
  • • Signs of dehydration or very high/low blood glucose
Common questions

Can every pancreatic cancer be removed?

No. Removal depends on spread, involvement of nearby blood vessels, tumour location and the patient’s overall condition.

Is chemotherapy used with surgery?

Often yes. Depending on staging and multidisciplinary review, chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery, after surgery or both.

Important: This information is for general education. It is not a diagnosis, emergency advice or an individual treatment plan. If you have urgent symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department.

Information sources

Content last updated: 2026-08-26