Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program

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.

4.9   |  736 Ratings
866-418-5042

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.

4.9   |  736 Ratings

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.

What causes liver cancer?

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.

Additional details

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.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

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.

Types 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.
Additional details

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

An expert breakdown of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers

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.

The evolution of cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has evolved to become a mainstream cancer treatment over the last few decades. At Providence, we're offering the latest immunotherapy therapies and clinical trials to treat cancer.

Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?

We know that every patient is unique. No two patients – or their treatment plans – are alike. This is why we take a highly personalized approach to cancer care, and we always put our patients first. Our cancer specialists are at the forefront of innovative, state-of-the-art technologies and treatment options.  We partner with you to develop specialized treatment plans that fit your needs and provide the best outcomes. At the Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon's metro-area locations, some of our advanced treatments include:

You will have access to unsurpassed support at every stage of your treatment, adding an extra dimension of care to help fight cancer. Our oncology nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and spiritual care providers help guide you through treatment and promote health on every level — body, mind and spirit. As an added layer of support, our Oncology Resource Specialists provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and care partners. These caregivers will help you navigate and use the many resources available throughout the community and through Providence.

Learn more about our cancer support services.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to great cancer care hasn’t always been the same for everyone. At Providence, we are deeply committed to making sure every patient we treat has access to the best cancer care. We value, respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each member of our diverse community, and we never turn a patient away. Instead, we work to make sure every patient is treated equally and with dignity – whoever you are, and wherever you are in your journey.

When you become a patient at Providence, you become part of a collaborative cancer-care network. Our care often exceeds national measures for patient outcomes. We have award-winning doctors, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. The skills of your local team and the power of this network add up to the best, most compassionate care. And if you need to meet with a specialist outside your area, we have telehealth technology to help. Our network and superior care are among the reasons 6,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients choose Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon each year.

Through our pioneering research, we have helped make cancer immunotherapy a new standard of care. Our globally renowned team of physician researchers and scientists at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute offers hope to patients and families.

THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK

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.

Mother and daughter outdoors piggy back ride
Senior woman looking hopeful as she gazes out window

Find Clinical Trials

Are you looking for a clinical trial for yourself or for a patient? We’d love to help you find one!