Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, which is an organ in the abdomen, behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas helps with digestion and releases hormones that regulate your blood sugar levels.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is typically not detected in its early stages when it is easier to treat. Instead, it usually is detected when it spreads to other areas of the body.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unclear, but there are certain factors that increase the risk. Smoking, diabetes, being overweight, being over age 65, and a genetic or family history can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is also more common among people who have chronic inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis.

Is pancreatic cancer preventable?

You can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer by giving up smoking if you are a cigarette smoker. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy weight and follow a nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Treatment for pancreatic cancer will vary depending upon the exact location and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s health and preferences. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer, if possible. If this is not possible, the goal is to stop the spread of the cancer and keep a person as comfortable as possible. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these options. In some cases, palliative care, in which the goal is to relieve pain and improve a person’s quality of life, may be beneficial.

Common Symptoms

“I noticed stomach pain that was radiating to my back, and I was losing weight without even trying, because I had no appetite.”
“I had itchy skin, and I noticed that both my skin and the whites of my eyes had a yellow tint.”
“I experienced extreme fatigue, and my urine was darker than usual.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6256 reviews

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Joan P.

Everything was perfect. I had to change my appointment due to an upcoming unexpected surgery. The receptionist truly helped to move my appointment up, able to see doctor prior to surgery. Very short wait upon arrival. A nice assistant asked a few questions prior to seeing Dr. Nandi. As always, all of my questions were answered, treated with kindness & a feeling of comfort. Thankful for my care.

Jeffrey R.

Great knowledge and listening skills. My Doctor focuses on the medical history 1st; Which says a ton about any professional, but definitely a physician.

Deb W.

The staff is amazing - Dr. Willie was wonderful. His bedside manner was pleasant, made me feel comfortable right away. Everyone from the front desk to the before surgery, after entering the surgery room and the aftercare was excellent. I never went there before and was a bit nervous but that went away immediately. I would highly recommend this office. Thank you to everyone there. Truly genuine and caring. Keep up the great work!

John P.

The entire staff from the time i set up the procedure thru completion and going home was very profesional. All staff members were very kind and courteous and answered all my questions that i had in a way i could easily understand.

Todd

First time having a procedure done here. Staff was great. Definitely will use again in the future, if needed.

Carolyn Z.

Staff were pleasant and professional.

Sharley C.

Really good experience. They were on time, couldn’t be any nicer, procedure was handled professionally and did a stellar job. No sore throat with throat scope. You’re in great hands here. I have no negatives at all Sharley Campbell

HANK W.

Very friendly and a well-oiled machine!

joann B.

The appointment was made in a timely manner. Nickoli the PA was exceptionally attentive to my husband, Tom, who was the patient. She spoke clearly and faced her when speaking ti him. She even wrote down all the instructions for him to follow. She certainly is an asset to the practice.

Adrienne R.

My experience was excellent from start to finish. Every person that I interacted with was very compassionate and made me feel relaxed prior to my procedure. Also, the prep was not as horrible as I have experienced in the past, which is really the worst part of the whole thing! Also, such a relief to know that everything looked great and I don’t have to go back for another 5 years. With family history, it can be very scary.

Debra R.

Easy check in. Everyone using masks and social distancing making everyone feel safe. Best sleep ever! Just wish nurses taking me on way to recovery weren't talking so loud. Great physician! I see why my PCP highly recommended her. She discusses pertinent information before and after the procedure. Nurses were great! Thorough question, history and answer timeframe and provided me with warmed gown and blanket. I will recommend this physician and facility to others.

Don S.

I was very pleased with my visit to this office. I got in within minutes of my appointment. I had my questions answered and was out quickly. Everyone was very pleasant.

Robert R.

Every person I came in contact with had a smile, was very pleasant and professional.

Anne R.

Our first visit with Dr Wille was a good one. He is pleasant, reassuring and calming. Gave us good advise. Staff was very helpful

J S.

First time patient at this provider. I arrived for my procedure on time and was taken to an exam/recovery room pretty quick. First time meeting Dr Quallich and he was friendly, professional and seemed very knowledgeable. All of the staff I encountered were great - personable and efficient. I was treated extremely well by all.

james C.

Feel I was treated very well! Nice and professional staff thank you very much

Tag Up With L.

Dr. Bakken and the entire staff at CFDH were kind, professional, and felt taken care of for my first colonoscopy. Highly recommend.

Mj B.

Everyone in the office treated me with respect and dignity. From the receptionist to the Dr this was a good experience!

Bob P.

Dr. Weber is excellent. Personable and friendly. His staff is reflects his caring.

Lynda E.

Everyone at the Center for Digestive Health was very friendly and professional.

Debbie L.

I was impress with the way I was treated and felt so @ ease

Nancy R.

This was my first colonoscopy, and the overall process is not pleasant no matter what you do. But, when it came to the finish line, the CDH staff was kind, courteous, and skilled which all helped to ease my anxiety to end on a positive note. Thank you!

marcie W.

Difficult proceedure to schedule because its not a fun one!! However, the entire experience was incredible....except the prep of course! Dr. Bakken and staff make everything so easy. Thank you so much!

Yukari W.

easy to follow instructions for prep. Very comfortable office and preoperative care. Excellent bedside manner of Dr. Nandi. Highly recommend.

Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Sheri E.

Dr Nandi is excellent

Katie T.

From the time I checked in to the prep room to going under and then coming out. Everyone is so kind and considerate of the patient’s situation.

Gerald O.

Everyone was really nice to me and before I knew it, I was out like a light and the endoscopy of my esophagus was over !!! Dr Quallich then came in and said everything looked normal and they gave me some apple juice, I got dressed and my driver took me home !!! So it was pleasant experience overall and a few days later the biopsy came back negative!!! Thank you Dr.Quallich and your nursing staff for a stress free visit in your very modern Macomb Twp. facility!!!

Phil M.

Great job! Dr Nandi is the best!

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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