FAQS

The Comprehensive Pancreas Program at Weill Cornell Medicine provides expert, coordinated care for patients across the full spectrum of pancreatic diseases, as well as individuals at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients with pancreatic cysts, acute and chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis (IgG4-related disease) and pancreatic cancer, as well as individuals with a family history or genetic predisposition to pancreatic cancer.

By bringing together specialists across multiple disciplines including gastroenterology, advanced endoscopy, surgery, medical and radiation oncology, genetics, radiology and pathology, we provide personalized care that spans pancreatic cancer prevention and early detection through the long-term management of complex pancreatic conditions. Our goal is to ensure that every patient has a coordinated team and a clear plan for their pancreatic disease. 

Weill Cornell Medicine is home to New York City’s only dedicated medical pancreatologist, Dr. Allison Yang —a gastroenterologist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of pancreatic diseases. This expertise allows us to place a particular emphasis on benign and precancerous pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts, as well as pancreatic cancer prevention, screening and early detection. For patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we also offer access to world-class surgical and oncologic care. 

We recognize that every patient’s pancreatic disease and risk profile is unique. Our approach combines the latest medical evidence and clinical guidelines with each patient’s individual risk factors, medical history and care priorities. Through close collaboration among specialists, we provide personalized, coordinated care that addresses the whole patient, from initial evaluation through long-term follow-up. 

Our program cares for patients with a wide range of pancreatic conditions , including pancreatic cysts (such as IPMNs and mucinous cysts), acute and chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis (IgG4-related disease) and pancreatic cancer. We also evaluate individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited genetic conditions that increase their risk, including BRCA1/2, ATM and PALB2 mutations, Lynch syndrome and other hereditary cancer syndromes. Our team helps determine who may benefit from pancreatic cancer screening and ongoing surveillance. 

Many pancreatic conditions require expertise from multiple specialists. For example, a patient with a pancreatic cyst may need specialized imaging, endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP, laboratory testing or surgical consultation, while someone with chronic pancreatitis may benefit from coordinated medical, endoscopic, nutritional and pain management. By bringing these specialists together, we can tailor care to each patient’s needs, avoid unnecessary or redundant interventions and ensure timely treatment and long-term follow-up.

Most pancreatic cysts are benign or have a low risk of developing into pancreatic cancer. However, certain types of pancreatic cysts, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms, have the potential to become cancerous over time. Our specialists evaluate each cyst based on its size, imaging features and other risk factors to determine whether ongoing surveillance, additional testing or surgical evaluation is appropriate. Many pancreatic cysts can be safely monitored without surgery.

Not all pancreatic conditions require surgery. Many pancreatic cysts and other pancreatic diseases can be managed with medical treatment or ongoing monitoring. However, surgery may be recommended for patients with pancreatic cancer, certain pancreatic cysts or precancerous lesions, and selected patients with chronic pancreatitis or other complex pancreatic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team works together to evaluate each patient’s condition and determine whether surgery or another treatment approach is most appropriate.

Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian offer specialized pancreatic surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts, chronic pancreatitis and other complex pancreatic conditions. Our pancreatic surgeons perform advanced procedures including the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), distal pancreatectomy and other pancreatic operations. When appropriate, minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches may be available. Our gastroenterologists and pancreatic surgeons work closely together to coordinate care before and after surgery, including long-term management of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function, nutrition and digestive health.

No. Screening for pancreatic cancer benefits those at increased risk based on genetics or family history. We tailor recommendations to each patient.

We are increasingly able to identify individuals at higher risk based on their family history, inherited genetic mutations and certain medical conditions.

One of the most important things people can do is understand their family history. Anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer should discuss genetic counseling and testing with their physician. Identifying an inherited predisposition can help guide screening recommendations and may have important implications for other family members. While pancreatic cancer screening is not recommended for everyone, understanding your individual risk is an important first step toward prevention and early detection. 

EUS and MRI provide complementary information. MRI offers a detailed imaging overview of the pancreas and the organs around it, while EUS provides fine-detailed, localized imaging and allows for sampling the pancreas or lymph node tissue, if necessary.

Yes. MRI involves no radiation. EUS is safe but carries minimal risks such as bleeding, infection or sedation-related effects.

Yes. Many pancreatic conditions require ongoing monitoring and management. Our program provides long-term care for patients with pancreatic cysts, chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis (IgG4-related disease) and individuals undergoing pancreatic cancer screening. We also coordinate follow-up care after hospitalization for acute pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery, including management of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function, nutrition, and digestive symptoms.

*This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. For urgent medical concerns, contact your physician or seek emergency care.