Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Also known as: Cancer, pancreatic

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.

The pancreas is a gland about 6 inches long that is shaped like a thin pear lying on its side. The wider end of the pancreas is called the head, the middle section is called the body, and the narrow end is called the tail. The pancreas lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine.

Patients and families benefit from some of the finest, most comprehensive cancer services in the world, including the best in diagnostic imaging, state-of-the-art treatments, nationally-renowned research, and compassionate counseling and support. Our doctors, surgeons, nurses, researchers, patient advocates and other caregivers work together to treat cancer aggressively and to ensure that no person has to face the challenge of a cancer diagnosis alone.

Find more information on the Providence Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program page.

Read more in our library »

Choose a category above to find details about related Providence services.

Services offered by Providence

Cancer Center lending libraries

Knowledge about cancer helps patients and their loved ones as they navigate diagnosis, treatment and recovery. For patients and families, easily-acces More »

Multidisciplinary cancer care

The evidence-based, multidisciplinary team approach to patient care at Providence Cancer Center is creating hope and changing lives for many people More »

Oncology nurse navigator

An oncology nurse navigator is an oncology certified nurse (OCN) who provides  education for each cancer patient concerning their individual treatme More »

From the experts

Ask an Expert: Chemotherapy and insomnia

Q: I'm undergoing chemo, and though I am experiencing heavy-duty fatigue, I am also suffering from insomnia! Sometimes it's hard to fall asleep; other nights I wake up around 3 a.m. for an hour or two. My medical oncologist said chemo can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and prescribed Ambien. I don't like the idea of relying on a sleeping pill. Anything else I can do?

Answer from Miles Hassell, M.D., director of Providence Integrative Medicine at Providence Cancer Center:

Liver and Pancreas Surgery Options

Surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic disease:

Recommended Resources