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 6245 reviews

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Dave L.

Fantastic staff. Dr. Quallich and his team were on point and professional. Thanks to all at Surgical Centers of Michigan.

Gerald W.

I felt very at ease with my procedure.

Patricia H.

Everyone is kind, professional and competent. Very little wait time and good communication prior and after procedure. Dr Willie is wonderful!

Marie R.

It was quick and very professional. All the staff was very nice and caring. I would recommend this office to family and friends. Keep up the great work.

Tanya M.

Everyone is very caring and pleasant

Jennie C.

Great first experience. My appointment was on time and the doctor answered all my questions. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Ron U.

I like the professionalism and courtesy of the staff and I love my doctor who always seems to have time to discuss the issues and any of my concerns.

Martha H.

Always good care,wonderful staff and dr weber is great!

Kimberly S.

On time, personable & helpful from start to finish.

Marsha T.

I used the macomb office several times now and have always been treated with utmost respect, I have been very happy with the services I have received with Dr. Bakken and her staff...

Deborah V.

Loved the Dr and staff, they were excellent!! I would recommend them.

Garry G.

At 69, this was my third colonoscopy but my first with Troy Gastroenterology. I'm always anxious about this procedure, but Dr. Abadir and the friendly surgical staff made it easy peasy. Music in the scope room. I awoke with no grogginess from the anesthesia. The whole process was smoother than a luge run.

Nancy F.

Wonderful ,caring,informative and best of all...they make you feel special or better yet...MARVELOUS!! 😉

Julie S.

Everything went very smoothly and was very timely.

Brian F.

Great people, great experience.. considering the procedure anyway 😄

Pamela B.

I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health! The staff was very friendly and professional. The office was clean and comfortable. The staff and Dr took very good care of me and made me feel comfortable! They stayed within their timeline for treatment and they checked on me with a phone call the day after my visit.

Ron B.

My visit was pleasent, helpful staff, appt. was right on time, nurces and doctors very professional and easy to talk to!!

Michael C.

This was a great experience. Quick, professional and well organized. Successful

Steven R.

I went to the center of digestive health for a colonoscopy and Dr. Donat and his office staff and nurses were the best ! When I arrived the waiting room was packed .I had never been there before and feared a long wait . To my surprise in a few minutes they called my name to go back to pre op and the whole process from entering pre op to leaving home after my procedure was less than a hour !!’ I can not say enough on how well I was treated through my stay there !! I would highly recommend them !!

Rodney S.

Very good and professional experience.

Carolyn S.

Personable, skilled, and trustworthy Care. Always informative

Rhonda H.

I was very satisfied with my experience while going through my procedure/ office visit. The staff was very friendly, kind and answered all my questions. The facility was very clean and relaxing. The doctor, nurses, anesthesiologist and front desk made me feel very comfortable. I highly recommend!

Karen K.

My experience was awesome! The staff was very friendly and professional! I was taken back almost as soon as I arrived and My procedure was on time. The nurses and anesthesiologist were so informative and answered all my questions. I love Dr. Bakken! She has such a great bedside manner and tell you everything you need to know about the procedure and results. Thank you so much!!

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.

Sharon H.

Dr Weber and his staff show concern for me as a patient. His staff follows up in a very timely manner when he says they will. I feel very confident with my interactions with Dr. Weber.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Vicki C.

I cant say how appreciative I am at how quickly I was able to be seen. Everyone was outstanding. I was scheduled for a procedure in less than two days. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you

Cash T.

First time colonoscopy patient and happy to say I had a excellent experience here. Fast, friendly, informative, and careful which are the key qualities you really want out of this type of procedure. Highly recommended!

Andrea T.

Recently had my first experience here and the staff was very friendly and put me at ease.

Mary B.

Great experience

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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