When you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Canada, you want to choose the best possible surgeon for your treatment. Recent scientific studies reveal that surgeons with a history of performing over 14 pancreatic oncological surgeries each year have better results. Dr. Dmitri Alden is a NYC liver and pancreatic cancer surgery specialist who performs many more surgeries than most other oncological surgeons in practice. He routinely treats pancreatic cancer patients traveling from Canada at his New York clinic.

Dr. Alden leads a highly specialized liver and pancreas surgery practice dedicated to treating cancer patients, working tirelessly to give them a new lease on life.

• Multiple thousands of men and women die in North America each year from pancreatic cancer.
• The average age of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is 72.
• The overall 5-year survival rate from pancreatic cancer is 4.6%.
• Only 7% of cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site.
• Approximately 52% of cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread to other sites in the body.

The most common form of pancreatic cancer is called adenocarcinoma. This type of tumor frequently begins in the head of the pancreas, although it has been known to originate in the tail. Patients typically present first with yellowing skin (jaundice) because the growing tumor blocks the bile duct feeding the duodenum. They may also experience fatigue, back pain and unexplained weight loss.

Pancreatic Cancer and Staging

The pancreas is a complex organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. Because of these connections to the digestive system, bloodstream and intestines, the varied malignancies that can form in the pancreas can originate from different cells. The various tumors can be benign, pre-malignant or malignant and grow in different locations of the pancreas. Each form of specific cancer requires a different type of treatment or surgery, and each can have very different outcomes.

Staging pancreatic cancers is a complex process that involves a tumor’s size, relation to the lymph nodes and if/how it has spread into other organs upon discovery. This TNM classification system (tumor, nodes, metastasis) is an imperfect tool that can ignore many complex factors that impact how the cancer should best be treated.

Dr. Alden relies on advanced diagnostic imaging and testing procedures to determine the precise state and condition of pancreatic cancerous tumors. Combining these findings with his wealth of experience and after collaborating with his multidisciplinary team, he will recommend the most effective treatment strategy for each patient.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Surgery

When a patient presents with jaundice, the issue is usually referred to a gastroenterologist to resolve, which can involve relieving any obstructions in the bile duct. Imaging is normally conducted to locate any other problems and will often reveal the presence of a tumor. After determining the tumor is cancerous, the patient will be referred to a surgical oncologist like Dr. Alden for evaluation and treatment.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer is based on many factors, but typically includes chemotherapy to shrink any tumors prior to surgical intervention. A critical factor is confirming if the cancer is confined to the pancreas or has spread to other organs. Pancreatic tumors, and those in other organs, can be removed surgically; however, different cancers can require a different method of treatment to eradicate.

Pancreatic cancer is a complex problem that requires a multidisciplinary approach before making any decisions regarding treatment. Dr. Alden and his team have extensive experience diagnosing and staging many forms of pancreatic cancer, determining treatment strategies including surgery and performing laparoscopic and robotic pancreas cancer surgery.

Patients traveling from Canada can contact Dr. Alden’s clinic and speak with our surgical coordinator about travel and accommodations, insurance concerns and more. Call (212) 434-6216 or contact us online to learn more about pancreatic cancer surgery and/or pancreatic staging from a world-class liver and pancreatic cancer surgeon in NYC.