Tackling the Toughest with Precision

Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Cancers: Patient Guide

What Are Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers?

Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic cancer care

This complex group of cancers includes:

  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Gallbladder Cancer
  • Bile Duct (Cholangiocarcinoma) Cancer
  • Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

They are known for being technically challenging to treat due to their location, aggressive nature, and late presentation.

These cancers are more common in men, except for gallbladder cancer, which predominantly affects women—especially in northern and eastern India.

What Causes These Cancers?

Common risk factors

Common Risk Factors:

  • Smoking, alcohol, and tobacco use
  • Obesity and poor dietary habits
  • Family history and chronic inflammation
Liver cancer specific causes

Liver Cancer Specific:

  • Hepatitis B or C infection
  • Fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis
  • Exposure to toxins like arsenic, vinyl chloride, thorotrast

Symptoms: Often Subtle, Always Important

Pancreatic & Biliary Tract Cancers
  • Vague upper abdominal pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
  • Dyspepsia, loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fever, chills
Liver Cancer
  • Right-sided upper abdominal pain or lump
  • Fatigue, malaise
  • Indigestion, loss of appetite
  • Jaundice, unexplained weight loss (later stages)

Early signs are often vague. Persistent abdominal symptoms or jaundice warrant immediate evaluation.

How I Evaluate Hepatobiliary Tumors

Examination

Detailed abdominal examination

Examination

Ultrasound followed by Triple-Phase Contrast CT or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis

Tumor markers

Tumor markers

  • CA 19-9, CEA for pancreatic and biliary cancers
  • AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) for liver cancer
Tumor markers

Liver function tests and general blood panels

Endoscopy & Biopsy

Upper GI Endoscopy

Endoscopy & Biopsy

Image-guided biopsy – for confirmation and staging

Treatment Approach: Tailored, Multidisciplinary, and Precise

First Step: Relieving Jaundice

For biliary obstruction, bile drainage is performed via endoscopy (ERCP) or stenting to stabilize the patient and improve liver function.

Liver Cancer Treatment

Early-stage, in non-cirrhotic and fit patients:

Liver resection (removal of tumor-bearing part of the liver)

Advanced-stage or inoperable cases:

Managed with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or locoregional therapies

Gallbladder & Pancreatic Cancer

Early-Stage Disease:

  • Radical Surgery offers the best chance of cure
  • Whipple procedure for pancreatic head cancers
  • Extended cholecystectomy for early gallbladder cancers

Advanced-Stage Disease:

Often treated with chemotherapy to control disease progression and improve quality of life

Minimally Invasive Excellence: Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery

Modern surgical techniques offer better precision, less trauma, and faster recovery

Benefits of Laparoscopic & Robotic Hepatobiliary Surgery:

  • Smaller incisions

  • Minimal blood loss

  • Shorter hospital stay

  • Better visualization of deep-seated tumors

  • Enhanced post-operative outcomes

💬 Facing a Diagnosis of Liver, Gallbladder, Biliary, or Pancreatic Cancer?

You don’t have to face it alone. With the right surgical expertise and access to advanced therapies, even complex abdominal cancers can be tackled with confidence and clarity.

Meet Dr. Pradeep

Consultant Surgical Oncologist | HPB & GI Cancer Specialist
Expert in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeries for Pancreas, Liver & Biliary Cancers

Book your consultation today
Dr. Pradeep