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Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed when cancer cells are found within the tissue of the pancreas. When pancreatic cancer occurs, the cells that produce the digestive fluids or hormones in the pancreas uncontrollably, typically resulting in a tumor.

Pancreatic cancer care in Nashville, Tennessee

Our dedicated pancreatic cancer specialists are here to help you face this head on.

At Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at At TriStar Health, our oncologists consider your lifestyle, symptoms and risk factors while making a personalized treatment plan. We walk with you from initial diagnosis to final treatment and recovery.

Have cancer questions?

We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.

We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms

Very problematic symptoms can accompany a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer to speak with your doctor about immediately include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood clots
  • Gallbladder or liver enlargement
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss

Pancreatic cancer treatments and services

From diagnosis to treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy, our pancreatic cancer specialists are here to help you overcome your pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer screening and diagnosis

Because pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has spread to other organs, it often goes undetected until the later stages when it is harder to treat. However, it can be detected using routine medical imaging exams and diagnostic tests, such as:

  • Angiogram
  • Biopsy
  • Blood test
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  • Ultrasound

Pancreatic cancer treatment options

As with any condition, treatment options depend on the type and stage of the disease, overall health and your personal preference. We encourage you to take the time to learn about the treatment options available to ensure you are comfortable and prepared for the treatment process.

Your care plan may include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Medication-assisted therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery (laparoscopy or tumor removal)
  • Targeted therapy

Cancer support

We do not want you to manage your cancer diagnosis alone. That is why TriStar Health hospitals assign a nurse navigator to each cancer patient. The role of a nurse navigator is to help you manage the physical and emotional challenges cancer brings, while simultaneously coordinating all of your cancer care.

For ongoing care outside of the clinical setting, the Greater Nashville area hosts a variety of cancer support groups to assist you and your loved ones as you move through your cancer journey.

About HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

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We also offer quality care at these other locations in our extended network.

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Thrive Blog

Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

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