Personalized care:
You’re more than your diagnosis. Our providers will get to know you as a person, not just a chart or numbers. We provide personalized, compassionate care to help you feel your best. Meet our team.
Think much about your pancreas? Probably not. Until something goes wrong.
Now, your pancreas and your future are all you can think about. Hearing you have a pancreatic disorder like pancreatitis, cysts, diabetes or even cancer can be a lot to take in. Your mind is probably on overload with tons of questions and concerns. Is this serious? How will it affect my life? What happens now?
Our Cleveland Clinic experts can answer these questions and more. We specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of pancreatic disorders. No matter your diagnosis, we’ll build a treatment plan that matches your needs for the best possible results. We have the skills and experience to help you get your life back on track.
You’re more than your diagnosis. Our providers will get to know you as a person, not just a chart or numbers. We provide personalized, compassionate care to help you feel your best. Meet our team.
Our experts work as a team to give you the most comprehensive care. Depending on your needs, your team may include gastroenterologists, oncologists, dietitians, surgeons and more.
Each year, people travel to us from around the country to be treated for complex pancreatic disorders, like pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. We’re known for our innovative services, like minimally invasive endoscopic imaging, robotic surgery and chronic pain management.
Healthcare is constantly changing and improving, and we’re always at the forefront of the latest research. Our current studies may lead to a new test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
You may be able to have a virtual visit for some appointments, depending on your provider and your condition. You’ll get the same great care — but from the comfort and convenience of home.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Your pancreas is an important gland in your body. It helps you digest your food and releases hormones that control your blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are the most serious. But damage to your pancreas can also lead to:
At your first appointment, your provider will take time getting to know you. They’ll answer your questions and hear your concerns. Then, they’ll ask a few questions of their own, like:
Because your pancreas sits deep in your belly (abdomen), your provider may not be able to check it with just a physical examination. They may need to order some minimally invasive tests based on your health history, symptoms and risk factors.
Blood and stool (poop) tests help us see how well your pancreas is working. Imaging tests — like CT scans, ultrasounds and a special type of MRI called magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) — give us a clearer view of your pancreas and ducts. They can show inflammation, cysts or tumors.
If your provider suspects chronic (ongoing) pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic cancer, they may order more invasive tests, including:
In rare cases, your provider may order endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Instead of ultrasound, this test uses fluoroscopy, a type of video X-ray and contrast dye, to help us see your pancreas and ducts.
Depending on your diagnosis, you may meet with a variety of providers who’ll work as a team. You may see:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.
Your treatment will depend on the pancreatic disorder you have. Some disorders can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes, like exercising more and eating healthier.
Others, like pancreatic cancer, are often best treated with surgery and a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy. Chronic cases of pancreatitis or cancer may require a pancreas transplant or removal of your pancreas (pancreatectomy).
Your provider will go over all treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.
Finding out you have a pancreatic disorder may be the last thing you thought you’d hear. While there’s comfort in knowing your condition, you might also feel confused, overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. We understand that it can be hard to think about both the present and the future. But our specialists are ready to help you every step of the way — from the moment you’re diagnosed through treatment and ongoing care.
Getting an appointment with one of our pancreatic disorders experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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