Jaundice
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, sometimes with dark urine or pale stools.
Patient Guide · Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Practical information to help you recognise symptoms, understand diagnosis and discuss treatment decisions with your doctor.
This guide supports informed conversations with your doctor. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.
How to use this guide
Use these sections to understand possible next steps, prepare questions and discuss your options with your doctor.
Warning signs
Recognise symptoms that need assessment.
Diagnosis
Learn about imaging, EUS and biopsy.
Treatment
Understand surgery and chemotherapy.
Consultation
Know what to bring and what to ask.
What to look for
Warning signs of pancreatic cancer
Symptoms can have many causes. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should be assessed.
Upper abdominal or back pain
Persistent pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back.
Loss of appetite
Feeling full quickly or eating less than usual.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, particularly with reduced appetite.
Nausea or vomiting
Ongoing nausea or vomiting, especially after meals.
Persistent tiredness
Fatigue and weakness, which may be related to poor nutrition or illness.
When should you seek medical advice?
Seek prompt assessment for jaundice, persistent upper abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss or ongoing vomiting. Severe pain, fever with jaundice, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical care.
Understanding risk
Factors associated with pancreatic cancer
Risk factors do not determine whether an individual will develop cancer.
Increasing age
Risk generally rises with age, though pancreatic cancer can occur in younger adults.
Smoking
Smoking is an established risk factor. Stopping smoking has important health benefits.
Chronic pancreatitis
Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas can increase risk.
Family history and inherited risk
A close family history or certain inherited gene changes may increase risk.
Getting a clear diagnosis
How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed
The choice of tests depends on symptoms, imaging findings and the suspected extent of disease.
1
Clinical evaluation
Your doctor reviews symptoms, medical history, examination findings and general health.
2
CT or MRI
Cross-sectional imaging helps assess the pancreas, blood vessels and possible spread.
3
Endoscopic ultrasound
EUS provides detailed images and can help obtain a tissue sample when needed.
4
Biopsy and pathology
A tissue sample may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, particularly before non-surgical treatment.
Treatment decisions
Pancreatic cancer treatment options
Treatment depends on tumour location, stage, whether it can be removed and your overall health.
Surgery
For selected patients with localised, removable cancer, an operation may offer the possibility of complete removal. The procedure depends on tumour location and fitness for surgery.
Chemotherapy
May be recommended before or after surgery, or for cancer that cannot be removed or has spread. The regimen depends on stage and overall health.
Other treatments may be considered in selected cases depending on tumour type and stage. Your specialist team will explain the options relevant to your diagnosis.
What happens next
Your treatment journey
Your exact pathway depends on the stage of disease and your individual clinical findings.
STEP 1
Consultation
Discuss symptoms, medical history, medicines and previous reports.
STEP 2
Review investigations
CT or MRI and selected blood tests help assess the pancreas and surrounding structures.
STEP 3
Confirm diagnosis and stage
EUS and biopsy may be advised when needed to guide treatment.
STEP 4
Discuss treatment choices
The team considers whether surgery is possible and how chemotherapy may fit into the plan.
STEP 5
Treatment and recovery
Nutrition, pain control, digestive symptoms and recovery needs are addressed as part of care.
STEP 6
Follow-up
Follow-up is individualised and may include clinical review, blood tests and imaging.
Preparing for your consultation
Bring your reports and note your symptoms and when they began.
- CT or MRI reports and images
- EUS or biopsy/pathology report, if performed
- Blood test results and current medicines
- Previous operation notes and treatment details
- Your questions and a support person, if you prefer
Surgical oncology consultation
Discuss your pancreatic cancer treatment options
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma (MCh), Surgical Oncologist, can review your reports, explain whether surgery may be appropriate and discuss the role of treatment in your care plan.
Recommendations are made after reviewing your individual diagnosis and clinical findings.
Common questions
Pancreatic cancer FAQs
Select a question to read the answer.
Q1.What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and blood-sugar regulation. The type and location of the tumour affect the treatment plan.
Q2.What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms may include jaundice, upper abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite and fatigue. These symptoms can have other causes and need proper assessment.
Q3.How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Assessment commonly includes CT or MRI. Endoscopic ultrasound and tissue sampling may be used when needed. The tests depend on the suspected tumour and treatment plan.
Q4.Can pancreatic cancer be treated with surgery?
Surgery may be possible for selected cancers that can be removed safely. Imaging and specialist assessment help determine whether an operation is appropriate.
Q5.Will chemotherapy be required?
Chemotherapy is used in many treatment plans, but its timing and role vary. Your team will explain the expected benefits, risks and alternatives for your situation.
Take the next step
Get clarity on your diagnosis and options
Arrange a consultation or seek a second opinion to discuss your treatment plan.
This page is for education and does not substitute for examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice. Jaundice, persistent upper abdominal or back pain, or unexplained weight loss should be assessed by a qualified clinician.