Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other tumors of the exocrine pancreas.
Reviewed by Prof. Fabrizio Panaro · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Biliopancreatic tumors
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat tumors of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts with high-complexity surgery and a treatment plan decided by a multidisciplinary board.
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Clinical summary
Biliopancreatic tumors (cancer of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts) require complex hepatobiliary surgery: pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) or major hepatectomy. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Teknon Barcelona · Memorial Publio Cordón Madrid), Prof. Fabrizio Panaro leads the area together with Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, with more than 200 indexed scientific publications.
What are biliopancreatic tumors?
Biliopancreatic tumors include cancers that affect the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. They are tumors of high surgical complexity that require specialized teams.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common and most aggressive. Gallbladder tumors are usually diagnosed incidentally or at advanced stages. Cholangiocarcinomas can affect different levels of the bile duct.
Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for these tumors, but it requires a specialized team because of the anatomical complexity of the region.
Symptoms of biliopancreatic tumors
Biliopancreatic tumors typically present late: symptoms usually appear when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine and pale stools) is the most characteristic warning sign, especially in tumors that block the bile duct.
Other common symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen or back, weight and appetite loss, difficult digestion, generalized itching and nausea. Pancreatic tumors can cause new-onset diabetes or a sudden worsening of known diabetes. Intense fatigue is also common. With any of these signs, especially if they occur together, it is advisable to see a specialist without delay to rule out cancer in this region.
Causes and risk factors of biliopancreatic tumors
There is no single cause that explains the development of these tumors, but several factors that significantly increase the risk have been identified. Smoking, obesity and long-standing diabetes mellitus are associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis and heavy alcohol consumption also favor cell transformation in pancreatic tissue.
For tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts, long-standing gallstones, chronic biliary inflammation and primary sclerosing cholangitis are conditions that warrant specialized follow-up. Older age increases the likelihood in all subtypes. A family history of pancreatic cancer and hereditary syndromes such as BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome carry a genetic risk that justifies specific screening.
Biliopancreatic conditions we treat
Our unit treats the main oncological conditions of the biliopancreatic region.
Gallbladder cancer
Tumors of the gallbladder, often diagnosed incidentally.
Bile duct cancer
Cholangiocarcinomas in different locations.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Tumors of the endocrine pancreas that behave differently.
Why ask for a second opinion on biliopancreatic tumors?
A second opinion can change the treatment options.
Confirm resectability
Confirm whether a tumor considered unresectable can be operated on at a specialized center.
Assess neoadjuvant treatment
Assess whether preoperative chemotherapy can make the tumor operable.
Evaluate vascular resections
Evaluate whether resections with vascular reconstruction are feasible when large vessels are involved.
Review the diagnosis
Confirm the histological diagnosis, since management varies according to tumor type.
Many patients considered inoperable can benefit from a specialized assessment.
How do we treat biliopancreatic tumors?
Surgical treatment is the basis of treatment when resection is possible.
Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Whipple surgery for tumors of the head of the pancreas and periampullary tumors.
Distal pancreatectomy
Resection of the body and tail of the pancreas with splenectomy.
Hepatectomies with bile duct resection
For bile duct tumors that extend into the liver.
Vascular resections
Resection and reconstruction of the portal vein or mesenteric artery when necessary.
Each operation is planned individually by a multidisciplinary board.
Our technology
Technology for biliopancreatic surgery
These are the tests and techniques we use to plan and perform these operations.
High-resolution multislice CT
Precise assessment of the relationship between the tumor and the vessels.
Endoscopic ultrasound
Diagnosis and staging of pancreatic lesions.
MR cholangiography
Detailed mapping of the bile duct.
PET-CT
Staging to rule out distant disease.
Minimally invasive surgery
Laparoscopy and robotics in selected cases.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience in high-complexity surgery
Quenet-Torrent Institute treats these tumors with teams specialized in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex tumors, with techniques such as pancreaticoduodenectomy or resection with vascular reconstruction, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have multislice CT, endoscopic ultrasound, MR cholangiography, PET-CT and laparoscopic and robotic surgery to plan and perform each operation.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Conditions related to biliopancreatic tumors
Specialized treatment for each type of tumor in the biliopancreatic region.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other tumors of the exocrine pancreas, treated with high-complexity surgery.
More information about pancreatic cancerGallbladder cancer
Tumors of the gallbladder, often diagnosed incidentally.
More information about gallbladder cancerBile duct cancer
Cholangiocarcinomas in different locations, with a specialized surgical approach.
More information about bile duct cancerProcedures for biliopancreatic tumors
High-complexity surgical techniques for treating tumors of the pancreas and bile ducts.
Robotic surgery
Minimally invasive approach in selected cases, with a faster recovery.
More information about robotic surgeryComplex oncological resections
High-complexity surgery with vascular resection when necessary.
More information about complex oncological resectionsTechniques with interventional radiology
Biliary drainage, embolization and other techniques combined with surgery.
More information about techniques with interventional radiology
Our team
Biliopancreatic surgery specialists
Surgeons and oncologists on the team who treat tumors of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Prof. Fabrizio Panaro
Hepatobiliopancreatic surgeon
View doctor: Prof. Fabrizio PanaroProfessor of Surgery at the University of Montpellier and surgeon at the Montpellier Medical Center. His fields of work are liver, bile duct and pancreatic surgery, liver transplantation and robotic surgery, with particular focus on hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases. More than 200 scientific publications.
Dr. Carlos Rodríguez-Otero Luppi
General and digestive surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Carlos Rodríguez-Otero LuppiSpecialist in general and digestive surgery, trained at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona. PhD from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in minimally invasive surgery (F.E.B.S. M.I.S.), with a focus on the laparoscopic and robotic approach to digestive tumors.
Dr. Clara Montagut
Medical oncologist
View doctorHead of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Section at Hospital del Mar and deputy director of the Hospital del Mar Research Institute. An expert in precision medicine, biomarkers and liquid biopsy, she integrates systemic treatment into the surgical strategy.
Frequently asked questions about biliopancreatic tumors
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can pancreatic cancer be cured?
Yes, in cases diagnosed early and completely resected. Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment, and it is always combined with chemotherapy. The difficulty is that it causes symptoms late: that is why early diagnosis and assessment by an experienced team are decisive.
What is Whipple surgery?
It is cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy, the standard operation for tumors of the head of the pancreas. It removes the pancreatic head, the duodenum, the gallbladder and part of the bile duct en bloc, and then reconstructs the digestive tract. It is a high-complexity operation that requires a team with volume.
Is surgery possible if blood vessels are involved?
At specialized centers, yes: many tumors in contact with the vessels can be operated on by resecting the affected vascular segment and reconstructing it. This is known as oncovascular surgery, and it considerably increases the number of patients who can be operated on. It requires a team specifically trained in these reconstructions.
How long does recovery take?
The hospital stay is usually 10 to 14 days and full recovery takes between 2 and 3 months. Readjusting digestion is what takes longest, and it usually requires pancreatic enzymes and changes to the diet. Chemotherapy after surgery also affects that timeline.
Is chemotherapy needed afterwards?
In most cases, yes. Chemotherapy after surgery clearly improves long-term results, because it acts on cells that may have remained outside the surgical field. In some patients it is given before surgery, to see how the disease responds.
What should I do if I have been told it is inoperable?
Ask for a second opinion at a specialized center. Many tumors considered unresectable can be operated on when the team is skilled in vascular resection and reconstruction, or after chemotherapy to shrink them. Resectability depends as much on the tumor as on the experience of whoever assesses it.
Can I live without a pancreas?
Yes, but it requires lifelong replacement treatment: insulin, because the body no longer produces its own, and pancreatic enzymes with every meal in order to digest. With that treatment and good endocrine and nutritional follow-up, most patients lead a normal life.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in biliopancreatic surgery and enough case volume. In this surgery, the relationship between the number of operations a team performs and its results is well documented. It is worth asking how many they perform each year and whether they have an oncovascular unit.
Where to treat biliopancreatic tumors?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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