The pancreas, an organ situated behind the stomach, plays a role in maintaining overall health. It performs two main functions. The exocrine function involves producing digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. Concurrently, its endocrine function releases hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, directly into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. These roles highlight its significance in both digestion and metabolic control.
Starting with Your Doctor
When you experience health concerns, including those potentially related to the pancreas, your primary care physician (PCP) or family doctor is the first point of contact. This doctor can assess your symptoms, which might include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss. They can perform initial physical examinations and order preliminary tests, such as blood tests to check for elevated pancreatic enzyme levels or imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.
If these initial assessments suggest a pancreatic issue, your PCP will determine if a referral to a specialist is necessary. The PCP acts as a guide, guiding you to appropriate specialized care. This initial consultation streamlines the diagnostic process, leading to a more targeted approach.
The Main Pancreatic Specialist
The specialist who treats diseases of the digestive system, including the pancreas, is a gastroenterologist. These medical doctors focus on conditions affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the rectum, and have expertise in pancreatic disorders. Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage a spectrum of pancreatic conditions, such as acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
To diagnose these conditions, a gastroenterologist may order specialized imaging, such as an MRI, or perform endoscopic procedures like an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP can visualize and address blockages in the bile or pancreatic ducts. They also manage treatment plans, which can include medication, dietary modifications, or enzyme replacement therapy for conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Other Medical Professionals
Depending on the specific pancreatic condition, other medical specialists may become involved in your care, forming a multidisciplinary team. For instance, if pancreatic cancer is suspected or diagnosed, an oncologist will play a role. Medical oncologists manage cancer treatment through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, while radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Surgical intervention for pancreatic issues, such as the removal of tumors, cysts, or portions of the pancreas, falls under the expertise of gastrointestinal surgeons or surgical oncologists. These surgeons perform procedures like the Whipple procedure for tumors in the head of the pancreas or distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail. Additionally, endocrinologists are involved if pancreatic dysfunction affects hormone production, particularly in managing diabetes.