Optimal Treatment and Management of Pancreatic Cancer
Experts at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center offer comprehensive diagnostics, treatment and management for pancreatic cancer. Our leading-edge team of doctors, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons, collaborate to review and plan each patient's personalized care. Patients don’t have to leave their own community for pancreatic cancer treatment. Skagit Regional Health offers expert cancer diagnosis and treatment services for the residents of Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer occurs if cells in the pancreas begin to divide and grow abnormally and out of control, creating a mass or tumor and crowding out normal cells. These malignant (cancerous) cells have lost the behavior of normal cells, which die when they are damaged and have “boundaries” keeping them from spreading to the tissue that surrounds them. If left untreated, pancreatic cancer can spread to other sites in the body.
Many times there are no signs and symptoms associated with early stage pancreatic cancer. Depending on the type of pancreatic cancer, the signs and symptoms are often different. Many symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer can also be caused by other very treatable conditions. It is important to check out any of the following symptoms with your primary care provider so that you can determine the cause and seek treatment if needed.
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
Support Through Cancer Treatment
Throughout your diagnosis and pancreatic cancer treatment our team will help you focus solely on getting well and will answer any questions about our wide range of support services, including:
- Appointments
- Finances
- Lodging
- Nutrition
- Prescriptions
- Social services
- Travel
- Treatment side effects
Multidisciplinary Approach to Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Research has shown that when the coordination of care between pancreatic cancer specialists is optimized, it produces better outcomes and better patient experiences. Our expert cancer specialists work together as a team during your care at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center.
A Cancer Conference is held regularly so all providers on your team meet together to discuss your cancer and your treatment options. This meeting allows all providers to collaborate with each other, so you get individualized care that is specific to your pancreatic cancer, but from the expertise of an entire team. Cancer Conference meets regularly and includes the following highly experienced and Board Certified experts:
- Medical oncologists
- Pathologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Surgeons
- Interventional radiologists
Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials
Pancreatic cancer clinical trials offer the very latest innovations in treatment by the leading cancer researchers. Your medical team will review new and promising clinical trials that specifically pancreatic cancer. If you meet the clinical trial criteria, your oncology provider will review the trial specifics with you to see if a clinical trial is the right option for you.
For More Information About Pancreatic Cancer Services
To learn more about pancreatic cancer services, please contact one of our team members at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center at 360-814-2146. We can help you make an appointment with a cancer care physician at one of our convenient locations.
To learn more about pancreatic cancer, please visit these trusted sites:
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