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 6263 reviews

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Marylou M.

Very nice and pleasant doctor. Didn't have to wait, my appointment was on time.

Terrill H.

The staff was extremely professional, informative and they smiled. It helped me with my nervousness. I was able to be comfortable.

Joy

Efficient, friendly, it made that whole experience actually enjoyable.

Rachelle P.

I was very nervous, as this was my first colonoscopy. The staff was extremely comforting and friendly. Dr. Abadir was very patient and knowledgeable. The facility was very clean. I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy.

Kevin F.

Friendly and professional from the moment I stepped through the door. Thanks for your kindness and professionalism.

Judith P.

Everyone was most friendly. helpful, and knowledgeable.

Lisa L.

Such a pleasant group of nurses and doctors.

Mark S.

Very good

Neil H.

Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.

Darin W.

The staff was amazing, particularly Ben, Kathy, Becky and Denise.

email S.

I've been a patient at CFDH for years. First rate organization. They've always kept my primary physician in the loop. I'm under care of Dr. Donat.

Patrick D.

From start to finish to fill up they are beyond superior of any facility I have been in in my lifetime. Kind, caring and professional thank you for such a positive experience.

Florence P.

Having the opportunity for a telemedicine appointment is so valuable! It saved me travel time, time away from work, gas, and hassle! Thank you for investing in the technology to make life better for your patients! Seeing Dr. Quallich face-to-face was reassuring and was the same as seeing him in person. We covered all the concerns that I had and have a good plan of action. I received a call before my appointment checking on all my meds and also received a text msg with a link for our appointment. Hats off to your entire team on orchestrating such a great and professional job! As always, Dr. Quallich, you are an awesome and caring doctor! Your compassion for your patients is comforting! Thank you!

Ami B.

Great, professional staff, great bedside manner! Made me feel very comfortable! 🩷

Heather W.

This was my 1st colonoscopy & this team was so very professional & helpful! Roger took great care of me & my concerns!

Judy H.

Caring, efficient, professional staff.

Brandon R.

Great staff, Dr. Willie is the best. He always takes the time to answer questions and provide a clear explanation to the procedure. Thank You

Ron H.

The people there are awesome, and they do a great job

Douglas

Excellent medical staff

Vernon S.

Scheduled a colonoscopy and staff was very nice. Procedure was very quick.

Shawn S.

My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"

Rose R.

On time, listened to me, made sure I understood what was happening, had a clear understandable plan. I strongly recommend Dr. Donat.

Eleanor T.

The staff was helpful and made every moment of the experience pleasant. Procedure Started exactly at 8am. I felt no pain throughout the entire procedure.

Ping X.

Active / Kind / Accurate

Tom F.

Dr. Sante Bologna, this guy is professional and personable, anesthesiologist, comforting, Informative front desk, staff, professional, and friendly to make me feel welcome and comfortable , I don't think I I was in the waiting room five minutes Before the young and energetic staff asked me to go with them. This is the place to be if this is a place you've got to go lol

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6268 reviews

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Doris F.

Fun, respectful, and knowledgeable.

Larry T.

My appointment with Jennifer was informative and professional.

chris C.

Dr. Bologna is a brilliant doctor! He correctly diagnosed my problem and provided an effective treatment plan. I was back on my feet in no time.

Rita D.

Entire staff was kind, friendly and efficient.

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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