Overview
The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, so pancreatic cancer often causes symptoms only after it has grown or spread — jaundice, upper abdominal or back pain, new diabetes, or weight loss with pale stools.
Treatment depends on whether the tumour is resectable, borderline resectable or advanced. Chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based combinations are chosen according to fitness, liver function and the goals of treatment. Germline and tumour testing is offered where relevant, since BRCA-related tumours respond differently.
Pancreatic cancer is a difficult diagnosis, and the plan is explained without false reassurance. Pain relief, biliary drainage, enzyme replacement and nutrition are treated as central to care, not optional extras.
Symptoms to watch for
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, with dark urine and pale stools
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- New-onset diabetes in an adult without other risk factors
- Greasy, floating stools or persistent indigestion
How we treat it
- CT, MRI or PET-CT staging with biopsy or EUS-guided sampling
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable tumours
- FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based combination chemotherapy
- BRCA and molecular testing to identify targeted treatment options
- Biliary stenting for jaundice, coordinated with gastroenterology
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement, nutrition and interventional pain relief
Frequently asked questions
Is pancreatic cancer always inoperable?+
No, but only a minority of tumours are operable at diagnosis. Some borderline tumours become operable after chemotherapy, which is why staging is reviewed again after treatment.
Why is a genetic test suggested?+
About one in ten pancreatic cancers is linked to an inherited gene such as BRCA. Finding it can open specific treatment options and matters for close family members.
How is the pain managed?+
With a stepwise medicine plan, and where needed a coeliac plexus block performed by our interventional pain specialist, which can reduce the need for high opioid doses.
This page is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Please speak to a qualified doctor for advice specific to your condition.