The pancreas is in an awkward place, and is not easy to operate on. However, if the cancer has not spread a surgeon may be able to remove it. The aim is to try to cure you of the cancer. You may be offered:

Whipple’s operation or pancreaticoduodenectomy
This removes part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the duodenum, the gall bladder and part of the bile duct.

Sometimes the surgeon may be able to operate without removing any of the stomach. This is called a pylorus-preserving Whipple’s.

Total pancreatectomy
This removes all of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the duodenum, the gall bladder, part of the bile duct, the spleen and some of the lymph nodes.

Distal pancreatectomy
This removes part of the pancreas, and sometimes the spleen.

If you have surgery you may also have chemotherapy afterwards, to try to stop the cancer coming back.

After the operation you may need to take insulin and enzyme supplements because your body no longer makes enough. If your spleen is removed, you will be more likely to get infections. Your doctors will explain to you what your life will be like after the operation.

Unfortunately, not many people with cancer of the pancreas are able to have surgery. This is because the cancer has usually spread by the time it is found.

Related links
Chemotherapy - general