If you have been diagnosed with liver or pancreatic cancer, Providence can help. Our liver and pancreatic cancer experts provide the personalized treatment and support you need.
Call 866-418-5042 to request more information.
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program
Our Providence Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program serves patients with disorders of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Our team of experts offers many services as a “single-source” center for patients.
We use a multidisciplinary approach for your treatment. This means we meet as a group – medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurse navigators, social workers and other experts. Having different viewpoints helps us tailor treatment plans to each person’s needs. Whether you could benefit from radiation, surgery or a clinical trial, we have options to help.
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program
Our Providence Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program serves patients with disorders of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Our team of experts offers many services as a “single-source” center for patients.
We use a multidisciplinary approach for your treatment. This means we meet as a group – medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurse navigators, social workers and other experts. Having different viewpoints helps us tailor treatment plans to each person’s needs. Whether you could benefit from radiation, surgery or a clinical trial, we have options to help.
Hepatobiliary cancers are cancers that start in any of the organs that make up the hepatobiliary system. These types of cancer include:
- Liver cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
The organs in the hepatobiliary system work together to give the body bile. The liver makes the bile, the bile duct transfers it, and the gallbladder stores it. Bile helps the body break down fatty foods.
When cells grow out of control in any of the hepatobiliary organs, cancer forms.
The most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic hepatitis (B or C) virus infection, or long-term, heavy alcohol use. Liver cancer can also be caused by fatty liver disease or long-term use of certain medications. These infections lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a serious scarring of the liver that builds up after decades of inflammation. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer.
- Providence Liver Cancer Clinic, with locations on Portland's east and west side, offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for people with liver cancer. Find information about our multidisciplinary Providence Liver Cancer Clinic which specializes in minimally invasive surgical interventions to treat cancers and other diseases of the liver.
Pancreatic cancer is caused when cells in your pancreas are damaged or have mutations in their DNA. The pancreas is a 6-inch-long gland that sits between the stomach and spine. When damaged pancreatic cells multiply, they often can spread to other areas of the body.
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer isn’t fully understood. Most pancreatic cancer is random or caused by lifestyle habits, such as smoking or being overweight, or old age. Some pancreatic cancers are genetic. About 10% of all pancreatic cancers are due to an inherited gene mutation, which is associated with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer.
Different types of cancers develop in different parts of the pancreas. The two most common types are:
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Cancer that develops in the glandular tissue of the pancreas. Glandular tissue, which includes glands and ducts, makes up 98% of the pancreas and produces enzymes to help digest food. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
- Islet cell cancer (also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or NETs): Cancer that develops in the neuroendocrine cells, or islet cells, of the pancreas. The other 2% of the pancreas is made up of islet cells, which release insulin and other hormones. Islet cell cancer develops more slowly and is often easier to treat.
When cancer is found early, chances of survival are much higher. Learn more about how doctors find and diagnose cancer.
Meet the Team
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence
Related Resources
Providence hepatobiliary and pancreas surgeons Jon Gerry, M.D. and John Creasy, M.D. discuss these cancers, their symptoms and treatments, and how you can reduce your risk of developing them.
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Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?
Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.
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