drs cannot be sure my father has cancer in his pancreas?

[jillcharlotte]

My father was hospitalized two months ago after vomiting blood and possibly bile.  His bile duct was clogged. Since then, he had a stent placed in the area and had a "sweeping" done of the blocked area in the bile.  Doctors are telling him that these sweeps show suspicion of cancer.  However, they said that his liver looked perfectly healthy and even the tissue in the bile duct looked healthy.  Now, because of this "suspicion" they want to remove portions of his pancreas, stomach, and intestines!  Isn't there a way that doctors can test to be sure that there is cancer before such a drastic surgery?  We are so confused.  Also, he had his gall bladder removed over 20 years ago.  We have heard that the bile duct may just be blocked from scar tissue from the gall bladder removal.  Isn't this a possibility?  Other than getting a second opinion, what would you suggest?  Thank you!!!

[TazLady]

I'd get a 2nd opinion.  Even a third.  I have chronic pancreatitis and have been told that removing even a portion of the pancreas is risky and not something to think lightly about.
Good luck to your family.
Sandy

[jillcharlotte]

Thanks Sandy!!!  Actually, catscans have some back showing no tumors and a biopsy and brushing done last week showed no cancer!!!!!  So, the drs are planning to remove part of the bile duct and reconnect it to another duct.  This is still complicated but not quite as complicated as removing part of the pancreas!!!

[tonym239]

My advice would be to get many opinions from credible surgeons,not just 1 or 2.I would talk to atleast 5 or 6 before you make your final decision,also find out what all of your options are.Hope everything works out ok.