Have you been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in UAE/Dubai? This can be an overwhelming time, and you should become as informed as possible about this condition. Here’s some sobering facts about pancreatic cancer:

• Over 35,000 men and women die each year in the US 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 pancreas.
• About 52% of cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread.

Scientific research reveals that surgeons performing over 14 pancreatic oncological surgeries each year have better results. Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS is a NYC liver and pancreatic cancer surgeon serving UAE/Dubai who performs more surgeries than most other oncological surgeons in practice. He routinely treats pancreatic cancer patients traveling from throughout the Middle East at his New York clinic.

Dr. Alden has gathered a highly specialized team of multidisciplinary professionals who work tirelessly to give cancer patients the best possible shot at a better future.

Pancreatic Cancer and Staging in NYC

Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, and presents as a tumor in the head of the pancreas, although it can originate in the tail. Patients normally complain of back pain, fatigue or weight loss, and many have yellowing skin. This skin discoloration is jaundice caused by a growing pancreatic tumor blocking the bile duct feeding the duodenum.

The pancreas is vitally connected to many other bodily systems, and we rely on it to produce insulin and digestive enzymes. Its relation to other organs means that different malignancies can form in the pancreas from different cells. Tumors can be benign, pre-malignant or malignant and grow in different locations. Each type of cancer requires a different treatment regimen or surgical approach, and each can have different outcomes.

Staging pancreatic cancers is a complex process. Dr. Alden and his team will determine the tumor’s size, relation to the lymph nodes and if the cancer has spread into other organs or tissues. The standard TNM classification system (tumor, nodes, metastasis) is an imperfect tool that ignores many important factors that impact treatment decisions, so Dr. Alden uses it as only one of many tools for staging and treating complex pancreatic cancers. Patients can expect to undergo extensive diagnostic imaging and advanced testing with Dr. Alden before he arrives at the precise stage of your pancreatic cancer and recommends a treatment strategy.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Surgery

Dr. Alden and his team will base your pancreatic cancer treatment on many factors, but the accepted protocol usually combines chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor, making a surgical resection easier. Pancreatic tumors can be removed surgically; however, different cancers require a different method of treatment. If the cancer has spread, other complex treatments and therapies may be necessary.

Dr. Alden is extremely experienced at diagnosing and staging many forms of pancreatic cancer, determining treatment strategies and performing laparoscopic and robotic pancreas cancer surgery. As a world-class NYC pancreatic surgeon, Dr. Alden can determine if you are a suitable candidate for pancreatic cancer tumor resection surgery. He will need to know all about any current and past medical conditions, including any past surgeries. Some medical conditions, such as heart disease, prior heart attacks, high blood pressure or diabetes, may affect your recovery.

Patients traveling from UAE/Dubai for pancreatic cancer treatment should contact Dr. Alden’s clinic and speak with our surgical coordinator about travel arrangements, accommodations, insurance 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.