About Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Key Highlights
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Personalized Risk Management: Tailored surveillance and surgical plans based on specific genetic mutations and family history.Multidisciplinary Approach: Coordination with genetic counselors, gastroenterologists, and radiologists for comprehensive care.Potential for Prevention: Prophylactic surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate cancer risk in eligible high-risk individuals.listrongAdvanced Surgical Techniques:/strong Utilization of minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) and complex open procedures to maximize outcomes./lilistrongFocus on Early Detection:/strong Regular surveillance aims to identify pre-cancerous changes or early-stage cancer when it is most treatable./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed pathogenic genetic mutation associated with pancreatic cancer (e.g., BRCA1/2, PALB2, CDKN2A, STK11, PRSS1).
- Strong family history of pancreatic cancer (e.g., two or more first-degree relatives).
- Diagnosis of a hereditary cancer syndrome with pancreatic cancer risk (e.g., Peutz-Jeghers, Lynch, FAMMM).
- Presence of concerning lesions (e.g., high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia - PanIN) found during surveillance imaging.
- Development of confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the context of a familial risk syndrome.
How to prepare
- Genetic Counseling & Testing: Undergo comprehensive evaluation to confirm hereditary risk and identify specific mutations.
- Multidisciplinary Consultation: Meet with the surgical oncologist, geneticist, gastroenterologist, and dietitian.
- Advanced Imaging: Complete baseline and surveillance imaging (EUS, MRI/MRCP, CT scan) to assess pancreatic anatomy.
- Medical Optimization: Manage pre-existing conditions like diabetes; achieve optimal nutritional status.
- Pre-operative Education: Detailed discussion on surgical options, risks, benefits, and lifelong implications (e.g., diabetes management post-total pancreatectomy).
Risks & possible complications
- Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications.
- Pancreas-specific Complications: Pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, bile leak, or intra-abdominal abscess.
- Endocrine/Exocrine Insufficiency: Development of insulin-dependent diabetes and/or need for lifelong pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, especially after total pancreatectomy.
- Long-term Nutritional Impact: Potential for malabsorption, weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies.
- Psychological Impact: Anxiety related to ongoing surveillance or decision-making about prophylactic surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Initial recovery in hospital with pain management, gradual advancement of diet, and monitoring for complications.
- Wound Care: Instructions on keeping the surgical site clean and dry, with recognition of signs of infection.
- Dietary Management: Gradual reintroduction of foods; consultation with a dietitian for managing exocrine insufficiency and diabetes if present.
- Activity Graduation: Slow increase in physical activity, avoiding heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks.
- Long-term Follow-up: Regular visits with the surgical and medical oncology team for monitoring, ongoing surveillance of other at-risk organs, and management of hormonal/nutritional needs.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering familial pancreatic cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform familial pancreatic cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for familial pancreatic cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Rohan Verma, 48, is a software...
Rohan Verma, 48, is a software engineer and father of two. His father and paternal uncle both died from pancreatic cancer in their 50s. After genetic counseling, Rohan tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation, placing him at high risk. He enrolled in a surveillance program, and an annual MRI showed a concerning 8mm cyst on his pancreas. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended a total pancreatectomy to eliminate the risk of cancer developing. Rohan underwent the complex, 7-hour surgery. Recovery was difficult, with immediate insulin-dependent diabetes and digestive challenges requiring enzyme supplements. A year later, he has adapted well to his new normal with strict management. The emotional weight of his family history is gone, replaced by profound relief and a sense of control. He feels he has broken the chain for his children.
Surgical Oncologists for Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform familial pancreatic cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore