Pancreatic Cancer

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Your pancreas is deep within the abdominal cavity and produces hormones that help you absorb nutrients from food. Pancreatic cancer (malignancy) occurs when abnormal cells form a mass.

It typically doesn’t cause symptoms until advanced stages, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. But advanced therapies, such as the ones available at UMass Memorial Health, can help you.

Nationally Recognized Pancreatic Cancer Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

The best care comes from programs like ours that treat a high volume of patients, giving us extensive experience. We use the latest techniques and maintain excellent outcomes, earning us national recognition.

UMass Memorial Medical Center is a National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence. This honor is awarded to select programs committed to multi-specialty care and helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes. We are the only program in Central Massachusetts with this designation.

Pancreatic Diseases We Treat

We deliver exceptional care, including a precise diagnosis and personalized treatments. Our expertise spans all forms of pancreatic cancer and other conditions of the pancreas, including: 

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (most common)
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
• Pancreatic neoplastic (precancerous) cysts
• Chronic pancreatitis  
• Rare pancreatic malignancies, including sarcoma, lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Pancreatic Cancer Services We Provide

From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, UMass Memorial’s program has more of the services you need. Our offerings include: 

• Cancer genetic testing: Some pancreatic malignancies are due to cell changes (mutations) passed down in families. We are one of the few programs in the region with on-site testing to detect these mutations. This information enables us to tailor services to your needs. Learn more about cancer genetic testing.
• Pancreatic imaging: Radiologists with specialized training in abdominal cancer perform imaging studies. We offer the full spectrum of tests, from standard imaging techniques to sophisticated CT scans, PET scans and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). MRCP enables us to assess the fine details of structures within the pancreas.
• Advanced endoscopy: We perform endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These specialized techniques enable us to examine the pancreas, take tissue samples or place stents (hollow tubes) to reopen narrowed passages.
• Surgery: We are regional leaders in pancreas surgery, offering advanced surgical techniques, including open, laparoscopic and robotic pancreatectomy (pancreas removal). We offer “prehabilitation” — presurgical strategies to help you have the best outcome from surgery. After surgery, we follow enhanced recovery guidelines to help you heal well.
• Clinical trials: Our team works with experts at UMass Chan Medical School to research the latest diagnostic and treatment options for pancreatic cancer. You may be able to participate in a study, offering early access to new care methods.

High-Risk Pancreas Clinic

The High-Risk Pancreas Clinic at UMass Memorial cares for people at moderate or high risk for pancreatic cancer. Here’s what you can expect at our clinic:

• Risk assessment: You undergo an assessment with a surgical oncologist, gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive disorders) and genetic counselor. This team reviews your personal and family history to determine the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.
• Screening: We perform endoscopic studies and radiology tests for early detection of pancreatic changes that may be cancerous or precancerous.
• Genetic counseling: Our genetic counselor reviews your personal and family history, considers possible genetic syndromes and may recommend genetic testing.
• Ongoing surveillance: We develop a plan to monitor you regularly so we can catch signs of cancer early.  

If you have a personal or family history of cancer (at least one affected family member) or a genetic syndrome known to be associated with pancreatic cancer, you may benefit from screening. Learn about risk factors.  

To enroll in our High-Risk Pancreas Clinic, ask your primary care physician for a referral or call 508-334-5520.