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 6224 reviews

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Stacey M.

Dr Nandi and staff were exceptional!! They put me at ease and made me feel so comfortable. Super friendly, courteous and professional. I would highly recommend to anyone!

Tina C.

Everyone I spoke with was very nice! Dr Bakken is very kind The prep , well it gets you prepared, but the overall experience was very good.

Bluesman S.

A very professional team and clearly in a class of their own. They ALL sincerely care for your health and make sure you are comfortable, and answer any questions you may have. I highly recommend them for all your digestive related health issues.

Raychell N.

I had an awesome experience with Center for Digestive Health. Everyone was very nice and professional. They were very attentive to my needs. The building was very clean. My procedure was explained to me so that I would understand everything that was going on. The procedure was smooth and swiftly. I would definitely recommend this place.

Steve D.

The nurses and doctors are all very nice and professional, making the process easy to go through. Thanks again.

Ray

Very professional, very friendly, a very good atmosphere

cheryl G.

Dr Quallach and staff are all very nice and professional! I’m so glad I was recommended to them .

Brian Z.

Excellent and professional.

Thomas G.

The entire staff had a very professional and positive attitude and was very impressed how smoothly the process went. TG

Steven C.

They were very professional and nice all in one.

W.A. W.

Very efficiently run facility, and ran to scheduled times. The entire staff was very pleasant and professional.

C-Rene’

Everyone is very professional and kind. Dr Q is thee best. I always have an excellent experience and will highly recommend any if his offices.

Lucia G.

Great care, the staff is very professional and friendly. It was great to receive a follow up call the next day . Thank you

Hope L.

Jennifer was great! Easy to talk to and very knowledgeable! All of the staff were kind and helpful and skilled at their jobs

Steve H.

Dr Weber was fabulous. He listened to me and answered all my questions in an easy to understand way.

Alison W.

A really positive experience - staff were professional & friendly and worked hard to make the procedure as stress-free as possible. Would recommend 👍

Joanne T.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr Nandi for first time EGD, and Colonoscopy at Troy Surgical Center. Dr Nandi and wonderful staff were nothing but professional and the best bedside manners for pts. 5 stars and would recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

Joanne S.

The people working hear were very kind, efficient and mindful of me.

jay G.

I love Dr. Donat!

B G.

The Center for Digestive Health is an extremely well run, efficient facility and I recommend it fully. Dr. Wille is the best! He is personal, professional, compassionate, very friendly and he inspires confidence in his assessment and treatment of my conditions. No one wants to have to deal with the things that go on in this office, but when it's necessary - and it's eventually necessary for all of us - Dr, Wille and the Center for Digestive Health are the ones that should be at the top of your list to consider for your health needs. Five Stars Plus!

Ryan M.

Great experience. It was my first colonoscopy but it was super easy. From time I got to the building to the time I left after the procedure was about an hour. Everyone was great including Dr Willie. Will be back for my next one!

Mary H.

Visiting room was very crowded,people were sitting on the floor, others went out by the elevator s to sit. That's my driver's view. My experience was a little different. It took 5 tries to get the IV in. But I was a trooper the staff was excellent. Very professional. I'm glad I didn't have to go through prep again. DR Nandie is great.

joseph G.

Dr. Tocco was very caring. He listened to me and ordered a procedure immediately.

Richard M.

Very efficient and great service

John H.

Everyone at the surgical center was friendly and helpful professional. We arrived to find the waiting room full but was called promptly to sign in. I was called to my room quickly for surgical prep. All attending nurses were great. Dr Donat was friendly and reviewed my past history and asked if I had any questions. Post procedure was very good as well. I would recommend CDH to anyone.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6229 reviews

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Martin C.

Normally i am a gentleman who is afraid of hospitals and doctors but here with this people (staff) I felt very nice and comfortable like my home , thank you!!

Laura V.

Efficient process with happy, friendly staff!

Teresa R.

Staff was fast efficient and kind. Dr. Donat was nice. Procedure was painless. Woke up quickly from anesthesia and able to go on with my day.(with some restrictions of course). All was well.

Peggy M.

Very professional & caring staff. The prep for my procedure was a lot less harsh & easier on my system than when I do to do this before. Instructions were very detailed & easy to follow. Over all a very good experience. I would definitely recommend Troy Gastroenterology.

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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