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Surgery
Only a few patients with cancer of the pancreas are suitable for surgery.
Surgery may be an operation either to remove the cancer, or to relieve jaundice.
Patients who may be suitable for surgery to try to cure them of cancer are assessed in the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. This is the only department in the North of England Cancer Network area that carries out curative surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Some other cancer surgery (to relieve symptoms) may be carried out at other hospitals in the Network.
Stents (to relieve jaundice)
Many patients have a stent inserted to relieve their jaundice. A stent is a small tube that keeps the bile duct open. This can be done at many North of England Cancer Network hospitals.
Chemotherapy
If your doctor recommends chemotherapy, this will be organised by oncologists (cancer doctors) from the pancreatic cancer team.
You may be able to have your treatment at the chemotherapy unit of a local hospital.
For more information about hospitals, go to our cancer services section.
Palliative care
If cancer can't be cured, medical, nursing and emotional support can be offered at home, in hospital or in a hospice.
