Pancreatic Cancer Treatment focuses on removing the tumor and stopping its spread using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Doctors decide the treatment plan based on the stage and health condition of the patient. Advanced imaging tests and biopsies help identify the size and location of the tumor, allowing specialists to create a personalized treatment plan .Early diagnosis helps improve recovery and survival chances.
What Are
Twisted, swollen and tortuous veins are often blue or purple. They appear just below the surface of the skin on your legs, ankles and feet.
A dull pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes spreads to your back could be an early warning sign. It might feel worse when you lie down or after eating.
One of the most noticeable signs is jaundice. This happens when a tumor blocks the bile duct, causing a buildup that turns the skin and eyes yellow.
If you’re losing weight without trying, and you’re also feeling weak or tired, it’s worth getting checked—especially if it’s paired with other symptoms.
Feeling full quickly, having nausea, or noticing pale, greasy stools that float can all be signs that your pancreas isn’t working properly.
If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes and don’t have a family history or typical risk factors, your doctor might want to investigate further.
Cancer can drain your energy, especially when your body isn’t digesting food or absorbing nutrients the way it should.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—especially if you’re at higher risk—don’t ignore them. Early detection saves lives.
At Dr. Mihir Shah’s Hospital Pancreatic cancer is often hard to detect early, as symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, or digestive changes may be subtle. Dr. Mihir Shah begins with a detailed consultation and physical exam, followed by the most suitable tests based on your case.
What We May Use:
With the right tools and a thoughtful approach, we aim to detect pancreatic cancer as early and accurately as possible — so you get answers and a clear treatment path.
At Dr. Mihir R Shah’s Hospital, Staging determines the extent of cancer spread and guides treatment. Pancreatic cancer is staged based on how far it has spread — both within and beyond the pancreas. Knowing the stage helps us choose the most effective treatment and give you an honest sense of what comes next..It typically includes:
Very early / non-invasive cancer
At this point, abnormal cells are found only in the lining of the pancreatic ducts. They haven’t yet turned into invasive cancer.
It’s rare to catch it this early — but when we do, treatment can be highly effective, often involving surgery.
Cancer is small and still inside the pancreas
The tumor is limited to the pancreas and hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
This is considered early-stage cancer. If surgery is possible, it offers the best chance for cure — often followed by chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Cancer has grown or spread to nearby lymph nodes
The tumor may be larger or starting to affect nearby lymph nodes, but it hasn’t spread to major blood vessels or distant organs.
Treatment typically includes a combination of surgery (if still operable), chemotherapy, and possibly radiation. It’s more serious, but still potentially curable in some cases.
Cancer has spread to nearby major blood vessels or many lymph nodes
At this stage, the tumor may be too close to — or wrapped around — vital blood vessels, making surgery difficult or unsafe.
It’s considered locally advanced. While surgery may not be the first option, chemotherapy or radiation might shrink the tumor enough to make surgery possible later.
Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal lining
This is the most advanced stage. The cancer has traveled beyond the pancreas to other parts of the body.
While curing the cancer may no longer be possible, treatment can still help manage symptoms, slow the disease, and improve quality of life. Many people continue to live meaningful, fulfilling lives with supportive care and the right treatment plan.
No matter the stage, you deserve to understand what it means — and what can be done. Our team is here to walk with you through every decision, every treatment, and every step forward.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cancer. Your treatment will depend on your cancer type, stage, age, and overall health. Dr. Mihir Shah works closely with each patient to choose the safest and most effective option.
For early-stage cancer, surgery can sometimes remove the tumor completely. The most common procedure is called the Whipple surgery, which removes part of the pancreas and surrounding organs.
This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It might be used before or after surgery, or to relieve pain in advanced stages.
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to attack cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, or after to prevent it from coming back.
In some cases, medication can be used to block specific proteins that help cancer grow. These treatments are more precise and may have fewer side effects.
For a small group of patients with specific genetic markers, this treatment helps your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
When a cure isn’t possible, supportive care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms or has risk factors, don’t wait. Early action can make all the difference. Dr. Mihir Shah offers expert evaluation and personalized care for every patient. Book an appointment today to get the answers and care you deserve.
Dr. Mihir R. Shah addresses the most common questions to help you understand the procedure, recovery, and what to expect—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
If the tumor is still confined to the pancreas or nearby tissues, surgery may be possible. A full evaluation is needed to determine this.
It’s tricky, but certain scans and blood tests can help, especially if you're high-risk or have symptoms.
It varies, but nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues are common. Our team supports you through every step.
If you have a genetic type of pancreatic cancer, your family members might benefit from testing and early screening.
It depends on the stage and treatment. With early detection and the right care, many patients live longer than expected and maintain a good quality of life.
