If There Is Vascular Invasion In Pancreatic Cancer, Can It Be Operated?

Pancreatic cancer, unfortunately, is a disease that starts insidiously and is noticed late; for this reason, only a limited number of patients can catch up with the chance to receive an operation. The pancreas is closely adjacent to two vital vessels. Vascular invasion is one of the most critical factors in locally advanced tumors that preclude surgery. If cancer has invaded the vein, namely the portal vein, patients can benefit from the surgery when we remove the invaded part. Since it is technically challenging, this operation can only be performed in specialized centers and by experienced surgeons. If it has invaded the mesenteric artery, which is the other important vessel in that region, then surgery is controversial.

The generally accepted opinion is that even if this artery is removed, it does not benefit the patient, chemotherapy should be started first, and the patient should be re-evaluated after the treatment. If the vein, which we call the portal vein, has an invasion of cancerous tissue, it is possible to remove that vein with surgical techniques, and it benefits the patient.