Get an Accurate Diagnosis & Specialised Treatment For Your Condition Today
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Pancreatic cancer arises from the tissues of the pancreas, an essential organ involved in digestion and glucose regulation. It is characterized by its late diagnosis and poor prognosis, making it a significant challenge in oncology. The disease often progresses silently, with symptoms appearing in more advanced stages.
Pancreatic cancer represents a group of diseases arising from different types of cells within the pancreas, each with its own unique pathology, clinical presentation, and prognosis.
Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, originates in the exocrine cells responsible for producing digestive enzymes. It accounts for about 95% of cases and typically arises in the ducts of the pancreas.
PNETs are less common, forming in the hormone-producing endocrine cells of the pancreas. These tumours may be benign or malignant and can produce hormones, leading to various symptoms.
Acinar cell carcinomas arise from the pancreatic acinar cells that secrete digestive enzymes. This type is rare and tends to have a slightly better prognosis than adenocarcinoma.
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unclear, but several risk factors have been identified that increase the likelihood of developing this disease.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not appear until the disease is in its advanced stages, contributing to its low survival rate. The following are common symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes is often one of the first and most noticeable signs, caused by the buildup of bilirubin.
Pain in the abdomen or back, resulting from the tumour pressing against surrounding organs or nerves.
Unintended weight loss and a decrease in appetite are common as the cancer progresses.
Digestive issues, including nausea and vomiting, may occur if the tumour blocks part of the digestive tract.
Sudden development of diabetes in individuals without a history of the condition can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
Pale, oily, or smelly stools that float in the toilet can indicate a problem with digestive enzyme production.
A general feeling of being unwell and fatigued is common among those with pancreatic cancer.
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer typically involves a combination of steps, and it includes:
An initial review of the patient’s medical history and a physical exam to check for signs such as jaundice.
Key imaging tests include:
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
Staging determines the extent of pancreatic cancer and guides treatment decisions. Staging not only influences the treatment approach but also helps in predicting the prognosis of the disease.
The TNM system, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), is commonly used.
Indicates the size of the primary tumour and whether it has invaded nearby tissues. T1 to T4 categories exist, with higher numbers indicating larger or more invasive tumours.
Describes whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. N0 indicates no lymph node involvement, while N1 and N2 show increasing involvement of lymph nodes.
Reflects whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. M0 means no distant spread, and M1 indicates metastasis to distant organs.
Based on the TNM classification, pancreatic cancer is then staged:
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences.
Surgery may be an option for those with localized cancer and involves removing the tumour and some surrounding tissue. Types of surgery include:
Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, often used in advanced pancreatic cancer or as an adjuvant therapy to surgery.
Targets specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This approach is typically used for tumours that have specific genetic mutations.
A treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, though its effectiveness in pancreatic cancer is still under investigation.
Aims to improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and side effects of the disease and treatment. It is an essential component of care for all stages of pancreatic cancer.
Treating pancreatic cancer presents several challenges that significantly impact the effectiveness of treatments and the overall prognosis for patients. These challenges include:
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
Navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be overwhelming. Allow us to assist you with your insurance claims, enabling you to concentrate on recovery & getting well. Our friendly clinic staff is here to answer any questions you have about insurance or payment options.
Please leave us a message and we will be in touch with you shortly.
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-06, Singapore 228510
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday, Sunday & PH: Closed
6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, reducing risk factors such as smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, and a balanced diet may lower risk.
Life expectancy varies significantly depending on the cancer stage at diagnosis, with early-stage cancers having a better prognosis than advanced-stage cancers. Treatment advances are improving survival rates, but pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat.
Yes, pancreatic cancer can affect blood sugar levels. The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, and cancer can interfere with this process, sometimes leading to diabetes.
Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking, can support overall health and may improve outcomes when combined with standard treatments.