How can total pancreatectomy help prevent pancreatic cancer?

John A. Chabot on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism

Total pancreatectomy is sometimes used prophylactically to prevent onset of pancreatic cancer in patients found to have precancerous conditions like Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMN). While the procedure ensures pancreatic cancer will not develop in the future, it also guarantees insulin-dependent diabetes and should be discussed thoroughly and carefully with your physician.

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Pancreatic Cancer

Often asymptomatic in the beginning, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose and typically spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the lining of the pancreas, an organ of the endocrine system that is responsible for making enzymes for digestion and for producing certain hormones such as insulin. Even though only 1 in 76 people develop this disease, it is the fourth deadliest type of cancer and is difficult to cure. No one knows what causes pancreatic cancer, and even the few known risk factors are not fully understood. Visit your doctor if you have unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, abdominal pain that radiates up your back, or a yellow tint to your eyes or skin.

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