Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious cancers — but with the right specialist, the right treatment, and an early diagnosis, outcomes can improve significantly. If you or a family member is facing this diagnosis, you need a trusted cancer doctor in Pune by your side.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a highly experienced Surgical Oncologist in Pune with over 15+ years of expertise in treating complex cancers, including pancreatic cancer. He practises at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, and is widely regarded as a leading Cancer Specialist in Pune and PCMC. Patients from across Maharashtra choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Pune because of his proven surgical expertise, compassionate care, and outstanding treatment outcomes.
Recognised for his outstanding contribution to oncosurgery, Dr. Chirag Bhirud was awarded the Best Oral Paper at the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) 2019 at Indore for his research on 3D VATS Esophagectomy. He also received the Best Poster Award at ISO-ISMPO 2019 for his work on induction chemotherapy in locally advanced oral tongue cancer. He has published multiple oncosurgical articles and operative videos in reputed national journals and has participated in over 20 national conferences. Awarded the prestigious JRD Tata Scholarship during his MBBS, Dr. Chirag Bhirud brings both academic excellence and surgical precision to every patient he treats.
With a 95% success rate and 10,000+ patients treated, Dr. Chirag Bhirud provides advanced, patient-focused pancreatic cancer treatment in Pune.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas — a gland located behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas plays a key role in digestion and in regulating blood sugar through insulin production.
Pancreatic cancer often grows silently, without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This makes it challenging to detect. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas.
Early detection and timely cancer treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery. This is why consulting a trusted cancer specialist at the earliest sign of symptoms is critical.
What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is often called a ‘silent disease’ because symptoms may not appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage. Common signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark-coloured urine and pale or greasy stools
- Persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Unexpected weight loss and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion
- New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a leading Cancer Specialist in Pune — without delay. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
What are the Causes of Pancreatic Cancer?
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not always known. However, certain factors can trigger abnormal cell growth in the pancreas. Common causes include:
- DNA mutations in pancreatic cells — inherited or acquired
- Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
- Long-term smoking — one of the strongest risk factors
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity and poor diet high in fat and processed foods
- Type 2 diabetes — both a risk factor and an early symptom
- Exposure to certain chemicals in industries
Understanding the causes helps in prevention and in seeking timely cancer treatment.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer & Stages Explained:
Pancreatic cancer is commonly divided into two types:
- Exocrine Tumours (94% of cases), such as adenocarcinomas, which originate in the pancreatic ducts.
- Endocrine Tumours or neuroendocrine tumours, which are less common but potentially treatable.
The progression of pancreatic cancer is categorized into the following stages:
Stage I – Limited to the pancreas.
Stage II – Spread to nearby tissues and possibly lymph nodes.
Stage III – Spread to major blood vessels and lymph nodes.
Stage IV – Distant metastasis to organs like the liver or lungs.
Early diagnosis at a lower stage significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Diagnosis: How is Pancreatic Cancer Detected?
Imaging Tests & Scans:
- CT Scans provide detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding areas.
- MRI Scans use magnetic fields to detect abnormalities.
- PET Scans help identify cancerous cells by highlighting areas of high metabolic activity.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) allows doctors to closely examine the pancreas and surrounding tissues via an endoscope.
Biopsy & Blood Tests:
- Biopsy is the gold standard for confirming cancer and involves extracting tissue samples.
- CA 19-9 Marker Test measures a tumour marker in the blood, often elevated in pancreatic cancer cases.
These diagnostic tools help specialists determine the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options:
The management of pancreatic cancer depends on the stage, health condition, and patient preferences. The following are the main treatment options available:
Surgery:
Surgery is generally the most effective treatment for early-stage pancreatic cancer.
- Whipple Procedure removes part of the pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and bile duct.
- Distal Pancreatectomy removes the pancreas’s tail and spleen.
- Total Pancreatectomy involves removing the entire pancreas, sometimes necessary for widespread tumours.
Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs like gemcitabine to kill cancer cells, often in combination with other treatments. Targeted therapies focus on specific cancer mutations, offering more personalised care.
Radiation Therapy & Immunotherapy
- Radiation Therapy utilises high-energy rays to destroy tumours.
- Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells, providing hope for advanced cases.
Palliative Care & Symptom Management
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life through symptom relief, nutritional support, and emotional counselling—vital for patients and families alike.
Survival Rates & Life Expectancy After Treatment:
While pancreatic cancer remains challenging to treat, early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. For those diagnosed and treated at:
- Stage I, the 5-year survival rate is around 34%.
- Stage II, the 5-year survival rate drops to 12%.
- Stage III, life expectancy falls to six months or less.
Survival rates vary widely depending on tumour size and spread, along with overall health and treatment response. With early detection and appropriate care, many patients can live longer than expected.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
A healthy cancer diet after pancreatic cancer surgery plays a vital role in recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence. Dr. Chirag Bhirud advises his patients to follow these guidelines:
- Eat small, frequent meals — 5 to 6 times a day instead of 3 large meals
- Choose low-fat, easily digestible foods — boiled vegetables, soups, and dal
- Take pancreatic enzyme supplements as prescribed — to aid digestion
- Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods completely
- Limit sugar intake — especially important if you develop diabetes after surgery
- Stay well hydrated — drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
- Quit smoking and alcohol entirely — they worsen recovery and increase recurrence risk
- Follow a light exercise routine as recommended by your doctor
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments without fail
Post-surgery nutrition and lifestyle management are as critical as the surgery itself. A disciplined approach helps maximise the pancreatic cancer survival rate.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Pune?
When it comes to pancreatic cancer, choosing the right cancer doctor in Pune can be life-changing. Here is why patients across Pune, PCMC, and beyond trust Dr. Chirag Bhirud:
- 15+ years of experience as a Surgical Oncologist in Pune
- Expert in Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery
- 95% success rate with over 10,000 patients treated
- Award winner — Best Oral Paper (ISO 2019) and Best Poster (ISO-ISMPO 2019)
- Published oncosurgical researcher with participation in 20+ national conferences
- Skilled in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery for faster, less painful recovery
- Compassionate, patient-first approach at every stage of treatment
- Available 24 hours at Jupiter Hospital, Baner — Pune
Whether you are searching for a Cancer Specialist in Pune, for pancreatic cancer, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers the expertise, experience, and empathy you need. Do not wait — early consultation can save your life.
Book Your Consultation Today
For expert guidance and advanced cancer treatment, consult Dr. Chirag Bhirud at:
Address: 1st Floor, OPD 4, Jupiter Hospital, Baner – Balewadi Rd, Pune
Call: 070283 73574
Email: bhirudcancercare@gmail.com
Timing: Open 24 Hours
Get the right treatment at the right time from a trusted Cancer Specialist in Pune.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pancreatic Cancer Treatment:
Surgery is the gold standard for early-stage cancer, but advanced cases may rely on chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.
Immunotherapy and experimental treatments through clinical trials are continually evolving. Speak with your specialist to explore your options.
Support groups, counselling services, and palliative care teams offer essential help for caregivers to manage emotional and physical stress.
Recovery after pancreatic cancer surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses minimally invasive techniques wherever possible to ensure a faster and more comfortable recovery.
You can book an appointment by calling +91 70283 73574, emailing bhirudcancercare@gmail.com, or visiting www.drchiragbhirud.com. The clinic is located at 1st Floor, OPD 4, Jupiter Hospital, Baner-Balewadi Road, near Prathamesh Park, Pune – 411069. Open 24 hours.