A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer brings urgent questions: can the tumour be removed, should treatment start with surgery or with chemotherapy, and how quickly can a decision be made? Some UK patients and families look for a second opinion or treatment in Istanbul alongside their care at home. New City Clinic is a health tourism intermediary licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health; your case is reviewed by the oncology teams of partner hospitals in Istanbul (Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park and Biruni), and the treatment plan is decided by a multidisciplinary tumour board. This guide explains how that works in practice.
The first question: can the tumour be removed?
In pancreatic cancer the most important step is to establish whether the tumour can be removed completely by surgery. That depends on its position in the pancreas, its relation to the large blood vessels nearby and whether the disease has spread. Tumours are usually described as resectable (operable now), borderline resectable (close to vessels, often treated first with chemotherapy and then reassessed) or not resectable (locally advanced or spread), where drug treatment leads. Only some patients are suitable for surgery at diagnosis, so an experienced team reviewing the imaging is the foundation of every plan.
How the diagnosis is completed
The board works from a pancreas-protocol CT and, where needed, MRI; endoscopic ultrasound with a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis; blood tests including the tumour marker CA 19-9; and a review of how the tumour relates to the nearby blood vessels. If some of these are missing or older, the team tells you which tests are needed and can arrange them in Istanbul. If jaundice is present, the bile duct is usually opened first with a stent so that treatment can start safely.
Surgery: the Whipple operation and distal pancreatectomy
For tumours in the head of the pancreas the operation is usually a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), in which the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, part of the bile duct and the gallbladder are removed and the digestive tract is rebuilt. For tumours in the body or tail, a distal pancreatectomy removes that part of the pancreas, often with the spleen. Both are major operations that should be carried out in experienced centres; our Whipple guide explains the operation, the hospital stay and life afterwards in more detail.
Chemotherapy before or after surgery
Many patients receive chemotherapy as well as surgery – before the operation to shrink the tumour and treat any hidden spread, after it to lower the risk of recurrence, or both. In borderline cases, surgery is reconsidered after a course of chemotherapy. Where surgery is not possible, chemotherapy and, where appropriate, radiotherapy take the lead, together with treatment of symptoms such as pain, jaundice and weight loss. The board recommends the sequence for your situation; it is not the same for everyone.
A second opinion without travelling first
You do not have to travel to receive a second opinion. Your documents are reviewed remotely and you receive a written assessment and a proposed plan in English. Many families use this to understand the options and to discuss them with the oncology team at home before deciding where treatment takes place. If treatment in Istanbul is recommended and you choose it, the timing of travel is planned around your condition.
Documents to send
The CT or MRI images themselves (not only the reports), the endoscopic ultrasound and pathology reports if a biopsy has been taken, recent blood tests including CA 19-9 and liver values, any stent or drainage procedures already done, and a list of your medication and other illnesses. Documents in English are reviewed directly. Send them through the contact form or on WhatsApp; the coordinator confirms what has been received and what is still needed.
Treatment in Istanbul: what to expect
If surgery is planned, you are admitted after the pre-operative tests and monitored closely afterwards, usually in intensive care for the first day or two. After a Whipple operation the hospital stay is generally one to two weeks if recovery is uneventful, followed by check-ups before you fly home; the expected length of your stay is set out in your written plan. A New City Clinic coordinator arranges the airport welcome, accommodation for a companion, hospital appointments and interpreting throughout.
Continuing care back in the UK
Chemotherapy after surgery can often be continued in your own country. You receive the operation report, pathology and discharge summary in English for your GP and oncology team, and the treating physicians in Istanbul remain available for questions. Pancreatic enzyme capsules with meals, blood sugar checks and dietitian support are part of life after pancreatic surgery for many patients and can be managed at home.
Cost of pancreatic cancer treatment
Oncology treatment is not priced in advance, because the plan – surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination – depends on the board’s assessment. Once the plan is agreed, you receive a written, itemised quote for the treatment proposed. The first review of your documents is free; ask on WhatsApp and the coordinator usually replies within 24 hours.
Pancreatic cancer treatment in Turkey with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about pancreatic cancer treatment in Turkey, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Can pancreatic cancer be treated in Turkey?
Yes. Partner hospitals in Istanbul have surgical, medical and radiation oncology teams, and each case is discussed by a multidisciplinary tumour board before a plan is proposed.
Can every pancreatic tumour be operated on?
No. Only some patients are suitable for surgery at diagnosis. In borderline cases, surgery may be reconsidered after chemotherapy; otherwise drug treatment and, where appropriate, radiotherapy lead.
Do I need to travel for a second opinion?
No. Your images and reports are reviewed remotely and you receive a written opinion in English.
Which documents are needed?
The CT or MRI images, biopsy and pathology reports if available, blood tests including CA 19-9, and a list of your medication.
How long would I stay in Istanbul for a Whipple operation?
The hospital stay is generally one to two weeks if recovery is uneventful, plus check-ups before flying; your written plan states the expected length.
Can chemotherapy be continued in the UK after surgery in Istanbul?
Often yes. Reports are prepared in English for your oncology team at home.
Is there a price list for pancreatic cancer treatment?
No. Oncology is not priced in advance; a written quote follows the treatment plan agreed by the board.
Can a family member come with me?
Yes, and it is recommended for major surgery. Accommodation for a companion can be arranged by the coordinator.
Deciding on pancreatic cancer treatment in Turkey is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
