Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
The most common type of pancreatic cancer, arising from cells lining the pancreatic ducts.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of the pancreas and can be challenging to detect in its early stages. Understanding its symptoms, diagnosis, staging and treatment options can help guide timely and informed cancer care.
Overview
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Most pancreatic cancers begin in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts and are known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Because the pancreas is located deep within the abdomen and early symptoms may be subtle or absent, pancreatic cancer is sometimes diagnosed at a later stage. Early evaluation of persistent or unexplained symptoms can help doctors determine the appropriate diagnostic pathway.
Pancreatic cancer can develop silently and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. At SSO Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive pancreatic cancer care, from accurate diagnosis and staging to personalised treatment planning and surgery when appropriate.
Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas acquire changes that cause them to grow and divide abnormally. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumour and may invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer symptoms can vary depending on the tumour's location and stage. Some people may have few or no symptoms during the early stages. Possible signs and symptoms include:
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Pancreatic cancer staging helps doctors understand the size and location of the tumour, whether nearby blood vessels or lymph nodes are involved, and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer is confined to the pancreas and is relatively limited in size.
IIStage
Stage II
The tumour may be larger and/or may involve nearby lymph nodes or structures while remaining potentially treatable with local and systemic approaches depending on its extent.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer may involve major nearby blood vessels or have more extensive regional involvement, which can affect whether surgery is possible initially.
IVStage
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs or peritoneum.
Pancreatic cancers are classified based on the type of cell from which they develop.
Acinar Cell Carcinoma
A less common pancreatic cancer arising from the cells that produce digestive enzymes.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (pNETs)
These develop from hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells and can behave differently from pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
There is no single test that diagnoses every case of pancreatic cancer. Doctors combine clinical evaluation, imaging and tissue or laboratory investigations to establish the diagnosis and determine the extent of disease.
Medical history and physical examination
Medical history and physical examination
Blood tests, including liver function tests
Blood tests, including liver function tests
Tumour marker testing such as CA 19-9 when clinically appropriate
Tumour marker testing such as CA 19-9 when clinically appropriate
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Contrast-enhanced CT scan
Contrast-enhanced CT scan
MRI/MRCP
MRI/MRCP
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Biopsy when required
Biopsy when required
PET-CT in selected cases
PET-CT in selected cases
Risk & treatment
Pancreatic Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not always known. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Increasing age
Tobacco use
Chronic pancreatitis
Family history of pancreatic cancer
Certain inherited genetic conditions
Diabetes, particularly new-onset diabetes in some individuals
Obesity
Certain occupational or environmental exposures
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on the tumour's location, stage, involvement of nearby structures, overall health and whether the cancer can be surgically removed. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the individual case.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer
Surgery can be an important part of treatment when the tumour is considered resectable. The type of pancreatic surgery depends on the tumour's location and extent.
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Commonly performed for cancers involving the head of the pancreas. It involves removal of the pancreatic head along with nearby structures, followed by reconstruction of the digestive tract.
Distal Pancreatectomy
Usually performed for tumours located in the body or tail of the pancreas and may involve removal of the spleen depending on the disease and surgical plan.
Total Pancreatectomy
In selected situations, the entire pancreas may need to be removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to help control or reduce the tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as the primary treatment when surgery is not appropriate. The treatment regimen depends on the type and stage of cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be considered in selected patients, particularly when the cancer involves nearby structures or as part of a combined treatment plan.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Some pancreatic cancers may have specific molecular or genetic features that can guide treatment. Targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered for selected patients based on tumour characteristics and biomarker testing.
Treatment for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
When pancreatic cancer has spread to distant organs, treatment generally focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted treatment or immunotherapy may be considered depending on the tumour's characteristics.
Multidisciplinary Pancreatic Cancer Care
Pancreatic cancer treatment often involves multiple specialists. At SSO Hospitals, treatment planning may involve surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, gastroenterology, nutrition and other supportive-care specialists as appropriate.
Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop pancreatic cancer. Some people develop pancreatic cancer without any identifiable risk factor.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Pancreatic Cancer Care?
Pancreatic cancer can require complex decision-making, particularly when determining whether surgery is appropriate and how treatment should be sequenced. SSO Hospitals brings together organ-specific surgical expertise with multidisciplinary oncology care to support patients through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
- Organ-specific surgical expertise
- Multidisciplinary cancer care
- Advanced diagnostic and imaging support
- Complex pancreatic surgery when clinically appropriate
- Individualised treatment planning
- Coordination across surgical, medical and radiation oncology
Our specialists
Our Pancreatic Cancer Specialists
Consult our specialists experienced in the evaluation and treatment of pancreatic and hepatopancreatobiliary cancers.
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
Early pancreatic cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. Possible symptoms include jaundice, abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, digestive changes and changes in blood sugar or diabetes.
Some pancreatic cancers can potentially be treated with curative intent, particularly when detected before they have spread and when complete surgical removal is possible. Treatment depends on the stage and individual characteristics of the cancer.
No. Whether surgery is possible depends on factors such as tumour location, involvement of major blood vessels, lymph nodes, distant spread and the patient's overall health. Some locally advanced cancers may receive treatment before surgery to reassess whether resection becomes appropriate.
Yes. Pancreatic cancer can spread to distant organs, and the liver is a common site of metastatic disease. Treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer is generally based on systemic therapy and the individual's overall clinical situation.
The exact cause is often unknown. Risk factors include tobacco use, chronic pancreatitis, family history, certain inherited genetic conditions, obesity and increasing age.
The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex operation commonly used for tumours located in the head of the pancreas. It involves removing the pancreatic head and selected nearby structures, followed by reconstruction of the digestive system.
Survival varies considerably according to the stage, tumour type, treatment options and response to treatment. Population-level survival statistics do not predict an individual patient's outcome. Your treating team can discuss your prognosis based on your specific diagnosis.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
