Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad, India
At PACE Hospitals, team of best gastroenterologist doctors in Hyderabad are experienced in handling complex cases of pancreas related diseases and its complications such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer.
We have team of the best doctor for pancreatic cancer in India, they are having extensive experience in providing medical and surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Request an appointment for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment - appointment
Why choose us?
250+ Patients treated from Pancreatic cancer
Equipped with Latest Robotic Surgery, ERCP & SpyGlass Cholangioscopy System
Team of the Best Pancreatic Cancer Doctors with 35 + years of expertise
CGHS, ECHS and All insurance accepted for cashless treatment
Pancreatic cancer diagnosis
While there are various pancreatic cancer tests for the diagnosis, it must be understood that not all of them will be used for every suspected patient. The oncologist takes into consideration the following before selecting the appropriate tests for diagnosis:
- The presented signs and symptoms
- Age, family history and general health of the suspected patient
- The results of previous medical tests
- The type of cancer suspected
Before delving into the various diagnostic paths intended to establish and confirm pancreatic cancer in the patient, the oncologist / gastroenterologist considers the patient's history and physical examination. The physical examination for pancreatic cancer usually involves the presentation of:
- Abdominal pain (sometimes described as a “boring-like” pain).
- Weightloss with or without jaundice and sometimes accompanied by low back pain.
- The pain could increase during food consumption or lying flat on the back.
- The stool colour could be light coloured from the absence of bile.
- Jaundice (increased level of bilirubin in the blood resulting in yellow discolouration of skin and eyes), depression, pruritis (itchy skin).
- Hepatomegaly (abnormal enlargement of the liver) and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
The history and symptoms of pancreatic cancer noted by the doctor could direct the patient to refer for imaging tests for the detection and conformation of the tumour.
The various tests for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer include:
- Hepatobiliary tests
- Serum amylase and/or lipase levels
- Tumour markers
- Germline mutations
- Molecular, or biomarker, testing of the tumour
- Computed tomography scanning
- Transcutaneous ultrasonography
- Endoscopic ultrasonography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Positron emission tomography scanning
The aforementioned tests can be divided into haematological, genetic and imaging tests.
Pancreatic cancer stages
After an imaging modality has assisted in establishing a likely pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the next question is whether surgery can be performed to treat pancreatic cancer. Based on CT and/or EUS criteria, pancreatic masses are staged as resectable, unresectable, or borderline resectable. The TNM stages of pancreatic cancer include:
Staging | T (tumour) | N (node) | M (metastasis) |
---|---|---|---|
Stage 0 | Tis | N0 | M0 |
Stage IA | T1 | N0 | M0 |
Stage IB | T2 | N0 | M0 |
Stage IIA | T3 | N0 | M0 |
Stage IIB | T1-3 | N1 | M0 |
Stage III | T4 | Any N | M0 |
Stage IV | Any T | Any N | M1 |
Differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Before the attempt of imaging and biopsy tests could be made, the differential diagnosis (symptoms closely resembling) of pancreatic cancer could include:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cholangitis
- Cholecystitis
- Choledochal cyst
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Stomach cancer
Considerations and goals of an oncologist before planning a pancreatic cancer treatment
Shared decision-making: Before the oncologist even considers treating the patient, the concept of shared decision-making must be introduced to the patient. Shared decision-making includes carefully and diligently explaining all the pancreatic cancer treatment options available to the patient and their caregivers. In case of any unclear issues, all must be resolved.
Once the pancreatic cancer treatment options are well explained, the patients, the caregivers and the team of doctors sits and discuss the best treatment option that fits the goals of care. Shared decision-making is the discussion among clinicians and patients which involves the choosing of optimal decision when exposed with the best available evidence to achieve informed preferences.
The doctor must emphasise the possibility of biliary tract obstruction (and the subsequent risk for sepsis from the biliary tree) during the staging of pancreatic cancer. The proposal for a stent, which can be placed to relieve jaundice and pruritus, must be dealt with caution as:
- Stent blockage and stent-induced pancreatitis can occur.
- The occurrence of infection due to stent could be possible, but antibiotics can help.
Nevertheless, it must be understood that in the case of early surgical intervention, the doctors may not think placing the stent could be necessary. Patients with pancreatic cancer are often hypercoagulable (increased affinity to form blood clots within a blood vessel) and frequently have thrombophlebitis (blood clots blocking veins, usually in the legs) as well as deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary emboli (a frequent cause of death).
Therefore, apart from pancreatic cancer treatment medications and techniques, the patient must undergo prescribed appropriate examinations to understand the status of thromboses. Analysing the data, the routine workup can be modified to implement appropriate management.
Pancreatic cancer is more likely to be effectively treated if found early. However, there are also medicines (palliative care for pancreatic cancer patients) that can help individuals with advanced pancreatic cancer control their disease and live longer and more comfortably.
Team of the Best Doctor for Pancreatic Cancer in India
Dr. Govind Verma
23+ Years of Exp.
Interventional Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist, Pancreatologist & Endosonologist
Dr. Suresh Kumar S
13+ Years of Exp.
Surgical Gastroenterologist, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, GI and HPB Oncologist, Liver Transplant Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions on Pancreatic Cancer:
Can pancreatitis lead to cancer?
Yes, there is an increased risk (2-3%) of chronic pancreatitis, which can lead to pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas) can cause scarring and severe pain in the abdomen and lower back.
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis overlap, especially in the blockage of the pancreatic duct, due to which the reach of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas is hindered in digesting food.
What is the survival rate of pancreatic cancer?
Earlier, pancreatic cancer survival rate was difficult to detect as most patients are asymptomatic and only show symptoms once they hit the advanced stages. However, with established, specialised screening tests which emerged by the turn of the century, many studies have investigated the survival rate. The pancreatic cancer survival rate is expressed in terms of 5 years.
- If the pancreatic cancer is localised (i.e., the tumour is found only in the pancreas), then the 5-year rate is 39.4%.
- In the case of regional pancreatic cancer (i.e., pancreatic cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes outside the pancreas), the 5-year rate is 13.3%.
- In the case of metastatic pancreatic cancer (i.e., the spread of pancreatic was seen in other organs such as the liver or lung), the 5-year rate is 2.9%.
By concluding
all the stages, overall, the survival rate of pancreatic cancer is 10%.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
Genetic mutations to the DNA are the fundamental causes of pancreatic cancer. These DNA mutations can occur through 3 ways. They are:
- Inherited Mutations: Most individuals with an inherited cancer syndrome inherit one mutant copy from any one of the parents. It must be understood that not everyone with an inherited mutant cancer will get pancreatic cancer, but the risk is greater.
- Mutation with Behaviour: The patients' behaviour can cause damage to DNA, such as cigarette smoking can cause pancreatic cancer-inducing chemicals in cancer-associated genes in the pancreas, which can grow into pancreatic cancer.
- Caused by Chance: DNA can be damaged by chance during the process of copying itself. Occasional mistakes during the copying of DNA can lead to mutation, which can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
The pancreatic cancer symptoms are the same in both men and women. They include:
- Ascites (distended abdomen) - due to the spread of pancreatic cancer in the abdominal cavity
- Abdominal and back pain - tumour pushing against the surrounding organs and nerves
- Bone pain-due to pancreatic cancer spread
- Cachexia - (general weight loss and muscle wasting) is usually due to metastasis (pancreatic cancer spread).
- Chills - due to infection and obstruction of the bile ducts by the increased size of the pancreas
- Diabetes - due to impaired insulin secretion by the pancreas
- Fatigue –Pancreatic cancer causes malnutrition and anaemia, which causes fatigue
- Fever - due to bile ducts obstruction, leading to infection of bile ducts and liver.
- Hair thinning and hair loss - due to chemotherapy
- Jaundice - due to obstruction in the bile duct, bile backs up into the liver and enters the bloodstream.
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)- due to pancreatic cancer blocking the gut or the effects of therapy.
- Stool discolouration - The bile duct and pancreatic duct are joined in the back of the head of the pancreas and open into the duodenum. Due to blockage, the bile is released into the bloodstream. The stool becomes light or clay-coloured as bile does not enter the digestive tract.
- Thrombophlebitis (inflammation and clotting of veins) - the body's response to pancreatic cancer or the direct spread of pancreatic cancer to blood vessels
- Urine discolouration - due to the accumulation of bile in the urine, makes it appear darker than usual.
- Weight loss - Almost all pancreatic cancers are associated with weight loss. Normal cells and malignant cells battle for nutrients. In addition, pancreatic cancers frequently impede digestion, which further adds to weight loss.
- Yellowing of skin or eyes - due to increased bile in the bloodstream.
How does pancreatic cancer affect the body?
Pancreatic cancer can affect the body in various ways. Pancreatic cancer ultimately causes death, often due to progressive inanition (exhaustion caused by lack of nourishment). The metabolic consequences of pancreatic cancer include a few of the following:
- Jaundice
- General malaise
- Depression
- Alopecia
- Pancreatic Insufficiency
- Bile Duct Obstruction
- Stomach Obstruction
- Small Intestine Obstruction
- Diabetes etc
Why do you get pancreatic cancer?
You can get pancreatic cancer if you:
- smoke
- consume alcohol
- have an increased BMI
- are diabetic
- suffer from chronic pancreatitis
- have familial history of pancreatic cancer
- have familial cancer syndromes
- suffer from medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, periodontal disease, peptic ulcer disease
Also, the chances of cancer seem to increase in coal gas and aluminium workers from occupational exposure.
What are the pancreatic cancer surgery complications?
During the initial few weeks following pancreatic cancer surgery, patients may experience weakness, fatigue, and pain. Other negative effects of pancreatic removal include trouble digesting food and diabetes due to the pancreas' inability to make insulin. Before undergoing surgery, discuss with doctor the potential adverse effects of the procedure and how they will be addressed.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer?
Chemotherapeutic side effects generally include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal problems, rash, mouth sores, hair loss, and a lack of energy. They depend mainly on the drugs prescribed.
Interestingly, it was noticed that various patients have different side effects despite administering the same drug.
Chemotherapy could also induce leukopenia (low white blood cell count), anaemia and thrombocytopenia, risking the patients for infections, bruising and easy bleeding. Most side effects end with a chemotherapeutic regimen, but few can be long-lasting and worsen with treatment continuation.
What is the prognosis for pancreatic cancer?
The prognosis depends on the stage of diagnosis. At the moment of diagnosis, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer varies on the size and type of the tumour, lymph node involvement, and degree of metastasis (spread of cancer).
The improvement of prognosis is largely fruitful if the pancreatic cancer is discovered earlier and treated. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer typically displays few or no symptoms until it has advanced and spread. Consequently, most cases (up to 80%) are diagnosed later, at more challenging stages.
Can pancreatic cancer be mistaken for pancreatitis?
Yes. Chronic pancreatitis shares numerous symptoms with pancreatic cancer, such as: extreme abdominal pain or digestive issues. These are recurrent, progressive, and extremely severe episodes. Mild pain may also be experienced between bouts, particularly in those who continue to consume alcohol. The other symptoms include:
- Recurring nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Increased frequency of urination
- Jaundice
As chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer symptoms are similar, a CT scan and an endoscopic ultrasound test with biopsy can make a distinction.
Does a dilated pancreatic duct mean cancer?
No. As per the study, dilated pancreatic duct does not mean cancer, any degree of dilatation of the main pancreatic duct could be a sign of high risk for pancreatic cancer. In these cases, a total systemic examination of the patient is necessary for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
What does pancreatic cancer feel like?
The most common feeling of pancreatic cancer includes a recurring dull pain in the upper abdomen (belly) and/or middle or upper back. This is likely caused by a tumour that has grown in the pancreatic body or tail and is pressing on the spine.
Some individuals report mid-abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Often, pain can be alleviated by bending forward when lying down. Pain caused by pancreatic cancer might vary from person to person; therefore, you should address any new pain-related pancreatic cancer symptoms with the doctor.
What is the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer?
Surgery is a potentially successful therapy accessible to approximately 20% of pancreatic cancer patients. When surgery isn't an option, radiation therapy can be used to treat early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Can smoking cause pancreatic cancer?
Yes. Smoking releases carcinogens which cause mutation in DNA. Mutation in DNA can cause an increased risk of various cancers. Pancreatic cancer is one such malignancy.
The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer is around double for smokers compared to those who have never smoked.
Approximately 25% of pancreatic cancers are attributed to cigarette smoking. Smoking cessation can help in the reduction of chances of cancer.
Does high bilirubin mean pancreatic cancer?
No, high bilirubin does not always mean pancreatic cancer. There are various other differential diagnoses for high levels of bilirubin, such as:
Intrinsic to the ductal system
- Jaundice - a liver disease in which bile is released into the system
- Gallstones - a small, hard crystalline abnormal mass in the gall bladder or bile ducts from bile pigments, calcium salts and cholesterol.
- Surgical strictures
- Infection
- Intrahepatic malignancy – cancer in the liver
- Cholangiocarcinoma - bile ducts cancer
Extrinsic to the ductal system
- Extrahepatic malignancy (pancreas, lymphoma)
- Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas
How much does pancreatic cancer treatment cost in Hyderabad?
Pancreatic cancer treatment cost in Hyderabad ranges from ₹ 4,55,000 to ₹ 7,45,000 (US$ 5500 - US$ 9020) (INR four lakh fifty-five thousands to seven lakh forty-five thousands). Treatment of pancreatic cancer cost in Hyderabad depends upon the multiple factors such as the age of the patient, health conditions, extent of pancreas damage and types of pancreatic cancer treatment such as Whipple Procedure, Central Pancreatectomy, Distal Pancreatectomy, Total Pancreatectomy, Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy.
The cost of medical and surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer can vary widely depending on the type of treatment needed. Lifestyle changes, medications, and nutritional supplements are required to follow during the course of treatment. However, the cost of treatment may depend on the severity of the condition.
What is pancreatic cancer treatment cost in India?
Pancreatic cancer treatment cost in India ranges from ₹ 4,75,000 to ₹ 7,65,000 (US$ 5750 - US$ 9250) (INR four lakh seventy-five thousands to seven lakh sixty-five thousands). Treatment of pancreatic cancer cost in India depends upon the multiple factors such as the patient's age, stage of pancreatic cancer, complications associated and types of pancreatic cancer treatment such as Chemotherapy, Whipple Procedure, Central Pancreatectomy, Distal Pancreatectomy, Total Pancreatectomy and Radiation Therapy
It must be understood that the damage to the pancreas is permanent. Nevertheless, right time and early diagnosis can help in treating the causes and further any additional pancreas impairment must be avoided to slow the prognosis.
Are pancreatic cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?
Yes, pancreatic cancer treatment is covered by insurance in Hyderabad, India. Person need to cross-check with their respective health insurance companies and corporates about the partial or complete cashless treatment eligibility to get the benefits.
Why choose PACE Hospitals?
- A Multi-Super Speciality Hospital.
- NABH, NABL, NBE & NABH - Nursing Excellence accreditation.
- State-of-the-art Liver and Kidney transplant centre.
- Empanelled with all TPA’s for smooth cashless benefits.
- Centralized HIMS (Hospital Information System).
- Computerized health records available via website.
- Minimum waiting time for Inpatient and Outpatient.
- Round-the-clock guidance from highly qualified cardiologists, surgeons and physicians.
- Standardization of ethical medical care.
- 24X7 Outpatient & Inpatient Pharmacy Services.
- State-of-the-art operation theaters.
- Intensive Care Units (Surgical and Medical) with ISO-9001 accreditation.