Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms & Treatment in NJ | RWJBarnabas Health Pancreatic Cancer Treatment & Care Cancer Cancer Types Gastrointestinal Cancer Types of Cancers We Treat Pancreatic Cancer Innovative Pancreatic Cancer Care Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is an organ that aids in food digestion. When cells grow uncontrollably in the organ, pancreatic cancer can develop. Pancreatic cancer is a kind of gastrointestinal cancer There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: Exocrine cancer . The most common type of pancreatic cancer. Nearly all exocrine cancers are adenocarcinomas – cancer that forms in the glandular tissue lining the pancreas. Less common types include adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, signet ring cell carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas with giant cells, and ampullary cancer. Endocrine cancer . Not as common as exocrine cancers, these include neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or islet cell tumors. Varieties of pancreatic NETs include functioning NITs most of which are gastrinomas or insulinomas. For the most part, endocrine cancer prognosis is better than exocrine cancer prognosis. Learn about pancreatic cancer causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Request an Appointment The Destination for Pancreatic Cancer Care in New Jersey Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute , we are the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center , meeting the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options for pancreatic cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials , many of which are not available elsewhere. Our fellowship-trained pancreas surgeons perform the highest volume of pancreatic procedures in the state and are national leaders in the field. Procedures are performed at several of the RWJBarnabas Health hospitals located throughout New Jersey. New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists Our team of specialists brings a multidisciplinary, compassionate, and innovative approach to patients with pancreatic cancer. Our integrated cancer care model includes New Jersey’s largest network of pancreatic specialists, comprised of a team of: Nationally recognized surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists Interventional gastroenterologists and radiologists Nurses Oncology nurse navigators Oncology support professionals Through a collaborative approach, our team provides patients with an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s situation. The Only Pancreatic Cyst Identification and Surveillance Program in New Jersey We also offer the only pancreatic cyst identification and surveillance program in the state and one of only a few in the country. The program helps identify precancerous pancreas lesions at an earlier, more treatable stage. Once identified, patients who do not require surgery are longitudinally surveilled for progression. Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You Nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, and guide you through aspects of survivorship. To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best gastrointestinal cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376 Pancreatic Cancer Causes The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Researchers do know, however, that genetics play an important role in the development and progression of the disease. They also know that certain behaviors and conditions (risk factors) increase the chances of getting the disease. Pancreatic cancer risk factors that can be controlled include: Tobacco use Being overweight or obese Diabetes Chronic pancreatitis Workplace exposure to certain chemicals Pancreatic cancer risk factors that cannot be controlled include: Age . Almost all patients are at least 45. Gender . Men have a slightly higher chance than women. Family history . Pancreatic cancer seems to run in families. Inherited genetic syndromes . Gene changes (mutations) are passed from parent to child. Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms Pancreatic cancer symptoms may not present in the early stages of the disease. As cancer grows and reaches advanced stages, patients may experience pancreatic cancer symptoms, including: Upper abdomen, back or arm pain Painful swelling of an arm or leg due to a blood clot Stomach burning or other gastrointestinal discomforts Bloating Floating stools with a bad odor and unusual color due to the body not digesting fats well Weakness Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Chills and sweats Fever Weight loss for no known reason Patients should make an appointment with their physician if they notice signs of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis The following are common diagnostic tests to detect pancreatic cancer: Ultrasound Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computed tomography (CT) Positron emission tomography (PET) Cholangiopancreatography Angiography Blood tests Biopsy Patients may need further testing to better define the type and stage of pancreatic cancer after the initial diagnosis. Request an Appointment Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Our multidisciplinary team of specialists provides the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatment options in a compassionate and welcoming environment. Patients are provided an individualized pancreatic cancer treatment plan specific to their disease and its stage. Pancreatic cancer treatment options we offer include: Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) Distal pancreatectomy Central pancreatectomy Minimally invasive pancreatectomy (robotic and laparoscopic) Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways (ERAS) for pancreas Clinical trials Pancreatic cyst surveillance program Diagnostic interventional gastroenterology services with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) Molecular diagnostics Advanced radiographic procedures To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best gastrointestinal cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376 Our Quality Testimonials Appointments The care was incredible. They all encouraged me and made me feel like I was their most important patient. They kept telling me, ‘We’re going to get through this, Steve “I was beyond stressed – it’s hard to explain unless you go through it,” says Jean, age 63. “But that recommendation was the best one I’ve ever received in my life.” Jean “The good news is that everything worked out pretty much how I told them it would.” Erin View All Gastrointestinal Cancer Stories Watch Testimonial Watch Testimonial Watch Testimonial View All Posts Feb 2, 2026 Cancer Prevention and Screening Matter Nov 7, 2025 Landmark Data from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health Show Long-term Complete Responses of T Cell Therapies for HPV-Related Cancers Oct 21, 2025 RWJUH Somerset Holds Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium on Oct. 28 View All Events Make Time for Mammography: It’s A Pink Party! - RWJUH Somerset Apr 24, 2026 Skin Cancer Screening - RWJUH Somerset May 2, 2026 Healthy Eating for Survivorship - RWJUH Somerset Jun 25, 2026 View Doctors RWJ University Hospital Somerset 110 Rehill Avenue Somerville NJ 08876 USA (908) 685-2200 Get Directions Hours Monday-Saturday 8:00am-9:00pm Sunday CLOSED (844) 226-2376 Not finding the treatment you're looking for? 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