Pancreas Cancer

Lee Health: Pancreatic Center of Excellence

The Lee Health Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing exceptional care for pancreatic cancer patients. We bring together a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive services and treatments personalized for each patient. With cutting-edge technologies and a patient-centered approach, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells multiply out of control and a mass of tissue grows within the pancreas. Sometimes this mass is benign (not cancerous) or can become malignant (cancerous).

There are two types of tumors that can grow in the pancreas: exocrine and neuroendocrine tumors. About 93% of all pancreatic tumors are exocrine tumors, and the most common kind of pancreatic cancer is called adenocarcinoma.

What are the symptoms of pancreas cancer?

Your doctor might suspect pancreatic cancer if you have some symptoms and you’ve recently developed diabetes or pancreatitis — a painful condition due to the inflammation of the pancreas. Most people don’t experience early signs of pancreatic cancer. As the disease progresses, however, people may notice:

Blood clots in the body
New or worsening diabetes
Nausea and vomiting
Upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back
Loss of appetite
Light-colored poop
Dark-colored pee
Weight loss

Who does this cancer affect?

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer represents approximately 3% of all cancers and 7% of all cancer deaths in the United States. It occurs slightly more often in men than in women.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Pancreatic cancer treatment depends on where the tumor is located, what stage it is in, how healthy you are, and whether or not the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas.

When it is not detected early it tends to spread to nearby lymph nodes, then to the liver, and lungs. Even though pancreatic cancer has a poor survival rate, it can potentially be cured if detected and treated very early.

Whether you are coming from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or Port Charlotte, we are here to assist you in navigating the next steps of your treatment journey.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Fort Myers and Estero

The Lee Health Cancer Institute extends its support to patients across Florida, providing a wide range of comprehensive treatment options. Our team of highly skilled medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists is dedicated to delivering exceptional care.

Lee Health Regional Cancer Center

8931 Colonial Center Dr Fort Myers, FL 33905

Get Directions

Phone number (239) 343-9500 View Details
Bonita Health Center

3501 Health Center Blvd Estero, FL 34135

Get Directions

Phone number (239) 468-8500 View Details

What are the stages of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is categorized into five different stages. Depending on the size and location of the tumor and whether or not cancer has spread to other areas.

Stage 0: Abnormal cells in the lining of the pancreas. The cells could become cancerous and spread to nearby tissue.
Stage 1: The tumor is in the pancreas.
Stage 2: The tumor is in the pancreas and has either spread to nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes.
Stage 3: Cancer has spread to major blood vessels near the pancreas. It may have also spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant areas in the body, such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal cavity. It has possibly spread to organs, tissues, or lymph nodes near the pancreas.

Increasing Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Lee Health Oncology Nurse Navigator Jennifer Snider said she’s noticed more and more cases of pancreatic cancer over the last couple of years. “Definitely more patients coming in.”

Catching it can be tricky because the pancreas is a smaller organ, “That is hidden in the abdomen behind other organs, it’s not easy to feel on an exam.” Because of that, it isn’t usually discovered until it’s at a later stage, making annual physicals with your doctor critical. “You’re telling your doctor right away if you notice things,” said Snider.

Snider said it’s the 4th deadliest type of cancer. Some of the symptoms include new onset diabetes as well as, “Nausea, vomiting, change in stool, like if it’s oily or watery, if they have abdominal pain or mid to upper back pain.”

There are factors that can both increase or decrease your risk for developing pancreatic cancer. “Obesity, diet high in processed meat, whereas if you have a lot of fruits and vegetables, that decreases the risk. If you have a first-degree relative with pancreatic diseases.” For patients with pancreatic cancer, treatment is available. “They can do surgery, they may do chemotherapy, there are some types of radiation that they could do,” said Snider. Knowing the signs and symptoms so you can detect it early, gives you the best chance for beating pancreatic cancer.

Pancreas Cancer Care Support Services

When facing a cancer diagnosis, it's crucial to have access to cancer support services. We are committed to being your trusted partner throughout your cancer journey, offering a wide range of services tailored to meet your unique needs.

Cancer Support Groups

Cancer support groups are gatherings that provide a secure environment for those impacted by the disease to talk about their feelings and experiences with other cancer patients.
Clinical Trials

Explore clinical trials at the Lee Health Cancer Institute and receive expert cancer care from our experienced team. Your participation can contribute to the future of others. Enroll in a clinical trial today.
Nurse Navigation

Lee Health Cancer Institute nurse navigators are here to help the patient and family through their cancer journey. From the moment of diagnosis to the treatment plan, our nurse navigators are here for you.