Pancreatic cancer, or cancer that begins in or spreads to the pancreas, can be difficult to detect and diagnose. Often, noticeable symptoms don’t develop until the cancer has reached an advanced stage or travels (metastasizes) to other organs.
- Possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Pain in the back or abdomen
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen gallbladder
- Nausea
- Digestive problems
- Diabetes
The diagnosis, treatment and management of pancreatic cancer requires the combined expertise of physicians from a variety of disciplines, and that’s exactly what the Pancreatic Oncology Program at Tampa General Hospital delivers.
WORLD-CLASS PANCREATIC ONCOLOGY IN A COMMUNITY SETTING
The TGH Pancreatic Oncology Program offers comprehensive and integrative care from therapeutic endoscopists, pancreatobiliary surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, dieticians, psychologists and other specialists. Working together, our experts craft well-rounded and personalized treatment plans for each patient’s specific diagnosis, no matter the severity. Our multidisciplinary approach is one reason why many patients with complex or late-stage cancers turn to TGH. Tampa General Hospital has earned “high performing” designation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23, meaning we are ranked among the top 10% of U.S. hospitals. Additionally, Tampa General Hospital has been ranked in the top 50 in the nation for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery.
OUR ADVANCED TREATMENT APPROACH
TGH utilizes the latest and most advanced technology when diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. Depending on the location and progression of a patient’s cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a tailored combination of these.
If pancreatic cancer surgery is deemed appropriate, our highly experienced surgeons use classic and minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted approaches that can help shorten the recovery period and reduce post-operative discomfort.
Additionally:
- We are the first program in Southwest Florida to offer irreversible electroporation (IRE) for patients with unresectable tumors or extensive medical problems that make radical surgery impractical.
- TGH is also among a select few cancer centers in the region to offer hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a type of chemotherapy that is performed alongside surgery to administer cancer-fighting medicine directly into the abdominal cavity.
TGH also participates in trailblazing clinical trials and is uniquely positioned to advance the field of pancreatic oncology. One study involves whether therapy before pancreatic resection for cancer patients is beneficial. Through our ongoing research, we are committed to expanding treatment options, minimizing symptoms and improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
EXPERTLY COORDINATED CARE
At TGH, we understand the importance of teamwork. That’s why we prioritize close communication with patients’ primary care practitioners and referring physicians. Through this collaborative approach to care, we provide a more streamlined treatment experience that allows patients to focus more on their well-being and less on juggling referrals, appointments and medical reports between practitioners.
This relationship is also key to fully understanding a patient’s diagnosis, as pancreatic cancer is sometimes linked to health concerns that a primary care physician may first recognize in a patient, like:
- Weight gain
- Late-onset diabetes
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
If you would like additional information about our Pancreatic Oncology Program, are displaying pancreatic cancer symptoms or would like to receive a second opinion, call us at 813-844-7585 to schedule an appointment. We offer brief appointment wait times so you can speak with a specialist as quickly as possible. If you prefer, you can also click here to find a gastroenterologist with Tampa General Hospital’s Physician Finder.
