Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 12

Surgery Care
Types of Surgery
Surgery for pancreatic cancer is a major operation. It may be an option for people
with an early stage of pancreatic cancer. Surgery is the only treatment option that
may cure pancreatic cancer. The type of surgery depends upon the location of the
tumor.
Distal Pancreatectomy
This operation is used more often with islet cell tumors found in the tail and body
of the pancreas. The surgeon removes the tail of the pancreas or the tail and a
portion of the body of the pancreas. This is often done laparoscopically. The
spleen is usually removed as well. You will need a special vaccine to help your
immune system compensate for the lack of a spleen.
SPLEEN
GALLBLADDER
TAIL
BODY
PANCREAS
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