Why did liver lesions make my pancreatic cancer unresectable?

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MH

Community Member

3 months ago

I was diagnosed with PDAC in June 2025. Initially, I was told I was IB and resectable. Then I had a bile duct blockage necessitating ERCP with stenting. This delayed starting neo-adjuvant chemotherapy only by a few weeks. However, in this time I developed « lesions » on my liver, which has now rendered me unresectable. When I asked my oncologist why, he didn’t answer well - just that now it’s in the liver and surgery is out of the question. Why? Couldn’t the tumor(s) shrink with chemo down the line and make me resectable again? If not, why? I am hoping someone on this forum can tell me why. I see people having Whipples in a similar situation as my own. I’m thinking of contacting Dr. Wolfgang at NYU Langone for a second opinion. I just feel I’m not getting enough information or the right information. Thanks for listening, Marty

1

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Accepted Answer

When pancreatic cancer spreads to the liver, it's typically classified as metastatic disease, which generally changes the treatment approach from curative surgery to systemic therapy focused on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms. While chemotherapy can sometimes shrink tumors enough to make previously unresectable cases operable again, this depends on many individual factors that only your medical team can fully evaluate. Seeking a second opinion from a specialized center is always a reasonable step when facing such significant treatment decisions, and many patients find it helpful for understanding all their options and feeling more confident in their care plan.

3+ patients found this helpful

LF

Community Member

2 months ago

Hi Marty that’s a good question my father is in the same similar situation with his liver he’s at a stage 4 just started the chemo pill so I’m not sure about future surgery yet either but I am hoping for shrinkage of the tumor and a more quality of life

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GA

Community Member

2 months ago

Hi - how long after stent did you start chemo ?

MH

Community Member

2 months ago

I started chemo 3 weeks after the stent placement.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

When pancreatic cancer spreads to the liver, it's typically classified as metastatic disease, which generally changes the treatment approach from curative surgery to systemic therapy focused on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms. While chemotherapy can sometimes shrink tumors enough to make previously unresectable cases operable again, this depends on many individual factors that only your medical team can fully evaluate. Seeking a second opinion from a specialized center is always a reasonable step when facing such significant treatment decisions, and many patients find it helpful for understanding all their options and feeling more confident in their care plan.

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RN

Community Member

20 days ago

YES, it is indeed and appropriate to do that step!

Why did liver lesions make my pancreatic cancer unresectable?

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