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Pancreatic Cancer

Our high level of technology and specialization in the pancreatic cancer diagnostics and treatment Center along with our patients will give them their individual customised treatment plans, the best imaging facilities that are updated and well synchronized with multidisciplinary knowledge all at the convenience of the locality of area, Houston, Texas.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Cancer of the pancreas starts along the pancreas, which is an organ that surrounds the stomach to aid in the digestion of food and also maintain blood sugar levels. The disease is difficult to diagnose at an initial level, and very often, there is no symptom at all.

Common Symptoms

Although this is silent initially, pancreatic cancer can result in:

  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • The skin or eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
  • Pale stools or dark urine

Causes and Risk Factors

It is not always known what causes it but the following factors increase your vulnerability:

  • Smoking
  • Pancreatic cancer in the family history
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
Treatment

Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer in Houston

The availability of treatment in Houston as regards Pancreatic Cancer. Therapy would involve surgery, treatment medical and supportive:

  • Surgery: When possible feel-free to use procedures such as the Whipple, distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy through which the tumor can be removed.
  • Chemotherapy: Medicine like FOLFIRINOX or a gemcitabine-based regimen can be used to destroy cancer cells and could either be administered before or after surgery.
  • Radiation therapy: This uses high energy beams directed at existing cancerous cells and is usually used together with chemo to ensure localization is effective.
  • Specific therapies: Therapies can be directed at individual genetic defects (e.g., BRCA, KRAS) and stop tumor proliferation in selected cancer patients.
  • Immunotherapy and clinical trials: New promising treatment methods which enhance an immune response or test some new medicines provide some new hope to those in the advanced cases.
  • Palliative and supportive care: This will allow pain management, nutritional education, and psychological support to sustain quality of life during treatment.

Why Choose GastroDoxs for Pancreatic Cancer Care?

Do not hold back to treat your symptoms or challenges-early intervention can make a difference in your life. Our board-certified specialists at GastroDoxs in Houston provide quick diagnostics, individual treatment plans, and compassionate treatment at each stage of a treatment plan. We are devoted to your ultimate success with advanced imaging and minimally invasive biopsies, access to the latest clinical trials, etc. Make your appointment today and collaborate with a team that has a great idea of pancreatic cancer management.

1.5K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the survival rate for pancreatic cancer?

It is determined with the level of diagnosis at which it is detected. Timely cancer diagnosis does far better at ensuring survivability (5 years), and later cancer is diagnosed with a worse overall survival rate.

Is stage 4 pancreatic cancer treatable?

Yes. Even though stage 4 cannot be healed, the chemotherapy and targeted therapies are effective in alleviating the symptoms, retarding the disease progression and improving the quality of life.

Can pancreatic cancer be cured?

Surgery (including the whipple operation) can be done to cure early pancreatic cancer. The majority of the developed cases are incurable yet it is possible to prolong the life and provide more comfort.

Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

Approximately one in ten cases of pancreatic cancer is associated with the mutation of inherited genes. Through genetic testing and counseling, it is possible to bear the hereditary risk of you and your family.

Why is pancreatic cancer so dangerous?

Pancreatic cancer is an unrecognized and spreading condition that may reach other places even before the patient shows the signs, and it is also often difficult to diagnose with; hence the high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer.

How can I find a pancreatic cancer specialist near me?

If you want to contact learned pancreatic cancer experts in Houston, contact GastroDoxs. We will refer you to the appropriate department of diagnosis and treatment.

What are the main risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

They are smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, and the family history of pancreatic cancer as the main risk factors. Modifiable effects can be dealt with in order to minimize risk.

What tests help diagnose pancreatic cancer?

To determine the presence and stage of cancer, diagnosis will usually be done through imaging (CT scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound) and performing a tissue sample (biopsy).

What side effects come with pancreatic cancer treatment?

Chemotherapy and radiation may leave patients feeling fatigued, nauseous, and with changes in appetite, problems in the digestive and blood sugar either way and can be compensated through supportive interventions.

How can I feel better during pancreatic cancer treatment?

By eating well, staying active to the extent one can, getting psychological assistance, and preemptively addressing symptoms, they can contribute to the ability to increase comfort and quality of life when undergoing treatment.

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