Pancreatic Cancer

Our care team is nationally recognized for improving treatments and outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer.

Look to UC San Diego Health for your pancreatic care. Because pancreatic cancer is an aggressive type of cancer, it's important to choose your treatment team carefully. We perform complex surgeries to treat this cancer and offer prevention and screening services for those with a history of pancreatic cysts or a family history of pancreatic cancer.

Nationally Ranked Cancer Care

UC San Diego Health is ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cancer care and gastroenterology by U.S. News & World Report.

We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you'll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.

Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

Your doctor may use imaging and endoscopy tests to look for pancreatic cancer. If the imaging shows something in your pancreas that looks like it might be cancer, your doctor may remove small pieces of the changed tissue. This is called a biopsy. At UC San Diego Health, your biopsy sample is analyzed by a pathologist with special training and expertise in gastrointestinal cancers. The pathologist's report and the imaging tests together are used to diagnose and stage cancer.

You may have one or more of the following types of imaging tests. 

Endoscopic Ultrasound

For an endoscopic ultrasound, a thin tube (called an endoscope) is put into your body while you are under sedation. A special miniaturized ultrasound at the end of the tube lets your doctor look at your organs and other tissues. The ultrasound can detect tiny growths and differentiate a tumor from a non-cancerous stone that might be blocking the bile duct. 

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

During a CT scan, a series of detailed pictures are taken of the pancreas and nearby organs and vessels. You will receive an intravenous contrast injected into your vein. The contrasting agent helps radiologists see the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to nearby organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI may be performed instead of or along with a CT scan. We're a leader in MRI and have a 3T scanner for high-resolution imaging of all parts of the pancreas, including areas that are hard to see with a CT scan, such as pancreatic ducts and channels. As with a CT scan, you will receive an intravenous contrast injected into your vein.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Receive a personalized treatment plan and support through your entire cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment. Your care plan may include one or more of the following.

Systemic Therapies and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy remains a key part of treatment for many patients. We’ll discuss which systemic therapies are right for your situation and help you understand what to expect, including how we’re working to improve outcomes with research-driven care.

Surgical Interventions

If surgery is an option, our team will talk with you about the procedure, such as Whipple surgery, that fits your specific diagnosis. Our goal is to remove the cancer while protecting as much healthy tissue as possible.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation can help shrink tumors, slow cancer growth, and relieve pain, especially when surgery isn’t possible. We’ll work with you to determine if radiation therapy should be part of your treatment plan, either alone or combined with other therapies.