Pancreatic Cancer Care in Portland-Vancouver

The multidisciplinary team of GI oncologists and surgeons at Compass Oncology is dedicated to guiding patients through a pancreatic cancer diagnosis using the most advanced treatment and surgical approaches.
Find a Pancreatic Cancer Specialist
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The GI cancer specialists at Compass Oncology provide the most advanced treatments for pancreatic cancer. Our multidisciplinary team includes a pancreatic surgical oncologist, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialists in supportive care. With cancer centers located throughout Northern Oregon and Southern Washington, we make it easy for patients to receive all their care in one convenient location.

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Next Steps After a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Whether you are newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, considering a second opinion, or exploring clinical trials, the Compass Oncology team is here to guide you. Our team has put together this guide, including what you can expect, from understanding your diagnosis to preparing for your first appointment.

What to Expect After a GI Cancer Diagnosis

Why Choose Compass Oncology for Pancreatic Cancer Care?

Our pancreatic oncologists are committed to developing a highly personalized treatment plan using the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatments available today. The plan is developed by an entire team of Compass Oncology physicians, led by the medical oncologist who works closely with our pancreatic surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist. Treatments include advanced surgical and non-surgical options, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials, providing you with complete cancer care in one location.

Supportive cancer care is also part of our multidisciplinary team. They offer a range of services, including symptom and side-effect management and emotional and mental support for patients and their loved ones. Our comprehensive, patient-centered approach allows you to receive the care you need at every step of the way, from diagnosis through survivorship, so you feel informed, confident, and fully supported.

Meet the Team
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The Most Advanced Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer

A pancreatic cancer treatment plan is developed based on the type of pancreatic cancer, its stage, and your overall health. Treatments include ablation or embolization, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. You may also be eligible for a clinical trial, which we will discuss if available.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Pancreatic Surgical Oncologist On-staff

Surgery is often a key component of the treatment plan for pancreatic cancer. At Compass Oncology, our team includes a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeon experienced in the latest surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer. They will work with you to determine if surgery is an option and identify the most appropriate procedure for your specific diagnosis.

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Molecular Testing for Pancreatic Cancer

Molecular testing, also known as biomarker testing, looks for changes, or mutations, in the genes that contribute to the development and growth of pancreatic cancer. These gene mutations allow pancreatic cancer doctors to recommend specific targeted therapy drugs that slow the growth of cancer. Common gene mutations included in the biomarker testing are KRAS, BRAF, and NTRK, among others.

More About Biomarker Testing

Pancreatic Cancer
Clinical Trials

Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research that offers pancreatic cancer clinical research trials for patients in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, areas. These studies test new therapies and combinations that are often unavailable elsewhere. Our patients' participation in clinical trials has led to the FDA approval of new cancer treatments. Your oncologist can help determine if a clinical trial fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.

See if a Clinical Trial is Available

Pancreatic Cancer FAQs

Are there different types of pancreatic cancer?

Cancer that develops in the pancreas is considered gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. There are two types of pancreatic cancers. However, most often, pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic digestive juices, which are the exocrine cells. This type of cancer is called exocrine pancreatic cancer and is the most common pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The information on our website will focus on this type of pancreatic cancer.

Much less often, pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that make hormones. This type may be called neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer or islet cell cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer does not show obvious symptoms in the early stages.

However, if you experience any symptoms mentioned below, you should contact your primary care physician to discuss:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Pain in the back or abdominal area 
  • A large lump under the right side of the rib cage
  • Unusual tiredness or fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Dark urine
  • Greasy or light-colored stools
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
  • Feeling full after not eating much food

 

Can I be screened for pancreatic cancer?

There are no routine tests to screen for pancreatic cancer, so it is important to consult with a doctor if you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or other known risk factors, such as diabetes, pancreatitis, or pancreatic cysts.

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Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

Pancreatic cancer can be genetic. About 10% of pancreatic cancers are related to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. However, most cases of pancreatic cancer are sporadic, meaning they are caused by acquired mutations in tumor cells, not inherited gene mutations.

The Compass Oncology genetic counselors are available to discuss your family history and to conduct testing, if necessary, to see if there may be a possible genetic connection. This can also guide future medical decisions for you and your family members.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

If symptoms appear suggesting you may have pancreatic cancer, there are different tests a physician can perform to detect cancerous cells. This includes a biopsy. If cancer is detected, additional tests are done to determine the cancer’s extent, called staging. Learn more about diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer.

How fast does pancreatic cancer grow?

The growth rate of pancreatic cancer is based on its type and stage. In early stages, pancreatic cancer tends to grow slowly, while in later, more advanced stages, it’s likely to grow quickly. Since symptoms are not obvious in early-stage pancreatic cancer, many cases are detected once the cancer has metastasized, or spread.

After diagnosing pancreatic cancer, your oncologist will need to know the extent (stage) of the cancer to determine how much it has spread and if the cancer can be removed with surgery (resectability). The staging process determines the recommended treatment plan and prognosis.

Learn about the staging for pancreatic cancer.

Are there different types of pancreatic cancer?

Are there different types of pancreatic cancer?

Cancer that develops in the pancreas is considered gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. There are two types of pancreatic cancers. However, most often, pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic digestive juices, which are the exocrine cells. This type of cancer is called exocrine pancreatic cancer and is the most common pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The information on our website will focus on this type of pancreatic cancer.

Much less often, pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that make hormones. This type may be called neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer or islet cell cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer does not show obvious symptoms in the early stages.

However, if you experience any symptoms mentioned below, you should contact your primary care physician to discuss:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Pain in the back or abdominal area 
  • A large lump under the right side of the rib cage
  • Unusual tiredness or fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Dark urine
  • Greasy or light-colored stools
  • Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
  • Feeling full after not eating much food

 

Can I be screened for pancreatic cancer?

Can I be screened for pancreatic cancer?

There are no routine tests to screen for pancreatic cancer, so it is important to consult with a doctor if you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or other known risk factors, such as diabetes, pancreatitis, or pancreatic cysts.

From start-to-finish, the design and strategy team provide all of the guidance and expertise necessary to build a high-conversion website.

Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

Is pancreatic cancer hereditary?

Pancreatic cancer can be genetic. About 10% of pancreatic cancers are related to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. However, most cases of pancreatic cancer are sporadic, meaning they are caused by acquired mutations in tumor cells, not inherited gene mutations.

The Compass Oncology genetic counselors are available to discuss your family history and to conduct testing, if necessary, to see if there may be a possible genetic connection. This can also guide future medical decisions for you and your family members.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

If symptoms appear suggesting you may have pancreatic cancer, there are different tests a physician can perform to detect cancerous cells. This includes a biopsy. If cancer is detected, additional tests are done to determine the cancer’s extent, called staging. Learn more about diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer.

How fast does pancreatic cancer grow?

How fast does pancreatic cancer grow?

The growth rate of pancreatic cancer is based on its type and stage. In early stages, pancreatic cancer tends to grow slowly, while in later, more advanced stages, it’s likely to grow quickly. Since symptoms are not obvious in early-stage pancreatic cancer, many cases are detected once the cancer has metastasized, or spread.

After diagnosing pancreatic cancer, your oncologist will need to know the extent (stage) of the cancer to determine how much it has spread and if the cancer can be removed with surgery (resectability). The staging process determines the recommended treatment plan and prognosis.

Learn about the staging for pancreatic cancer.