Pancreatic Cancer Surgery - Maryland Health Today

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery - Maryland Health Today
University of Maryland Medical System


Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: Dr. H. Richard Alexander, a surgical oncologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, discusses symptoms and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed. Symptoms can include nausea, digestive problems, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, pain in the abdomen or back, and yellowing of the skin. Dr. Alexander also explains a complex surgery, known as the Whipple procedure, is sometimes performed to treat pancreatic cancer. The interview also covers the benefits and risks of chemotherapy and radiation. The University of Maryland Medical Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care so patients can receive a combination of treatments to get the best possible outcome. In the second half of the show, the interview turns to liver cancer, including both primary liver cancer and those cancers that spread from other organs to the liver. Dr. Alexander describes innovative treatments, such as Sir-spheres and intra-peritoneal heated chemotherapy (IPHC). He also discusses his research into new treatments for liver cancer. Dr. Alexander is also a professor and associate chairman for Clinical Research in the Department of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.