Pancreatic Disease

Where the Digestive and Endocrine Systems Meet

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Problems with the pancreas can lead to many health problems, including:

• Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself.
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your pancreas.

Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease, benign and malignant, is available using advanced endoscopic and radiographic procedures. The center’s physicians have relationships with national research groups involved in pancreatic research and are frequently involved in clinical research in pancreatic disease.