Advanced surgical and cancer care for pancreatic, liver and biliary cancers
At Ascension Saint Agnes, our cancer specialists and surgical oncologists provide coordinated, personalized care for pancreatic, liver and bile duct cancers. We combine advanced surgical expertise with medical, radiation and interventional therapies to support you at every step of your care.
Compassionate care that starts with listening
A cancer diagnosis can raise many questions and concerns. At Ascension Saint Agnes, we take time to listen to you, understand your needs and help you navigate next steps with clarity and compassion.
The Pancreas, Liver and Bile Duct (PLBD) Center of Excellence specializes in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and biliary cancers. Whether you are a newly diagnosed cancer care patient, or seeking a second opinion, our team is here to support you.
We are committed to timely access to care. After receiving a referral, our cancer care team will contact you within 48 hours to discuss next steps.
A multidisciplinary approach to cancer care
When you choose Ascension Saint Agnes, your care is guided by a multidisciplinary care team with experience in hepatobiliary cancers. Our specialists collaborate closely to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, overall health and goals of care.
Your care team may include:
- Medical and radiation oncologists
- Surgical oncologists with experience in hepatobiliary surgery
- Diagnostic and interventional radiologists
- Pathologists and genetic counselors
- Palliative care specialists and dietitians
- Nurse navigators
- Financial counselors
Working together as one care team helps us consider all treatment options and provide coordinated support throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Conditions we diagnose and treat
Our specialists care for a wide range of liver, pancreas and biliary conditions, including:
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
- Gallbladder cancer
- Klatskin tumors
- Liver cancer and liver cysts
- Chronic liver diseases, including NASH and hepatitis A, B and C
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Cystic lesions of the pancreas
- Pancreatitis
- Metastatic tumors involving the liver, including breast cancer and melanoma
- Colorectal cancer
Treatment options tailored to you
Cancer care is personal. And so is how we care for you. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs. Our multidisciplinary team offers many different treatment options, including:
Surgical oncology
- Pancreatic cancer surgery (including Whipple procedures)
- Liver and bile duct tumor resections
- Minimally invasive and open hepatobiliary surgery
Interventional and endoscopic procedures
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Direct cholangioscopy (SpyGlass)
- Percutaneous biliary drainage
- Liver ablation therapy
- Transarterial liver-directed therapy
- TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt)
Medical and supportive therapies
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Port placement
- Aspira drain
- Palliative and supportive care services
Surgical oncology for liver, pancreas and biliary cancers
Surgery plays an important role in treating many pancreatic, liver and bile duct cancers. Our surgical oncologists specialize in complex hepatobiliary procedures and work closely with other cancer specialists to determine if surgery is appropriate.
Surgical oncology services may include:
- Pancreatic cancer surgery, including Whipple procedures
- Liver tumor resections
- Surgery for bile duct and gallbladder cancers
- Surgical management of metastatic disease involving the liver
- Minimally invasive and open surgical approaches, when appropriate
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, it may be combined with therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation to support your recovery and provide the best possible care.
Get a second opinion from a cancer specialist
Deciding on a cancer treatment plan can feel overwhelming. A second opinion can provide additional insight, confirm your diagnosis or help explore other treatment options.
A second opinion can be especially important if you’ve been told surgery isn’t an option. Our surgical oncologists frequently evaluate complex cases to determine whether advanced surgical or combined treatments may be appropriate.
Our team will help coordinate your second opinion visit, gather medical records and determine whether a virtual visit is available.
CTA: Schedule an appointment - Call (443) 574-8500
Refer a patient for surgical oncology or hepatobiliary cancer care
Referring providers can expect timely communication and collaborative care. Our specialists focus on listening first, then developing an individualized treatment plan in partnership with the patient and referring physician.
Our surgical oncologists accept referrals for:
- Newly diagnosed pancreatic, liver or biliary cancers
- Surgical oncology evaluation
- Complex or advanced hepatobiliary cases
- Second opinions
We prioritize rapid access and multidisciplinary case review.