Pancreatic Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Pancreatic Disease?

Pancreatic disease is usually treated by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive organs such as the pancreas. A surgeon or a cancer doctor may also help. An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone and blood sugar problems, may help when diabetes is involved. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is pancreatic disease?

Pancreatic disease means a health problem of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It makes digestive juices and insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Two common examples of pancreatic disease are:

  • Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Cancer of the pancreas.

This topic covers many problems. The sections below are mostly about pancreatitis, with a short part on pancreatic cancer treatment. They do not cover cystic fibrosis, so ask your doctor about that.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain in your upper belly that may spread to your back. In acute pancreatitis, the pain can be mild or severe. Other symptoms may include fever, nausea and vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and a swollen or tender belly.

Most people with chronic pancreatitis feel pain in the upper belly, although some have no pain at all. Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, greasy, foul-smelling stools, and weight loss. Some people do not have symptoms until they have complications.

Causes and who gets it

The most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones and heavy alcohol use. Some medicines and genetic disorders are also common causes. Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. For chronic pancreatitis, the most common causes are heavy alcohol use and genetic disorders. In many cases, doctors cannot find the cause.

Obesity and diabetes are risk factors for pancreatitis. So is smoking.

How doctors diagnose it

Doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and lab and imaging tests to diagnose pancreatitis and find its causes.

Treatment

The treatments below are for pancreatitis. Treatment may include a hospital stay. There, you may get fluids through a vein. You may also get pain medicine. If you have an infection in your pancreas, you may get antibiotics. You may also need a low-fat diet. You may be sent to a gastroenterologist or a surgeon.

  • Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. If gallstones cause it, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • ERCP, which uses a scope and x-rays, can remove gallstones that block the bile or pancreatic ducts.
  • Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may help relieve pain. It may also improve how well the pancreas works and manage complications. Your doctor may give you enzyme pills to help with digestion.
  • The chronic form may cause diabetes. If you get diabetes, your health care team will help you with an eating plan and medicine.
  • Surgery may relieve pressure or blockage in the pancreatic duct. It may also remove a damaged or infected part of the pancreas.

Health care professionals strongly advise stopping alcohol if you have pancreatitis. They advise the same for smoking, even if the pancreatitis is mild or in the early stages.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer is different. You and your cancer care team make a plan together. It often includes more than one type of treatment. Surgery that removes the whole tumor gives the best chance of long-term survival. But the cancer is often found late. Then surgery is not possible. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop cancer cells from growing. It is often used. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used too. A small number of these cancers may respond to targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Clinical trials are research studies of new treatments. They are also an option.

When to see a doctor

People with acute pancreatitis usually look and feel seriously ill and need to see a doctor right away. Seek care right away for signs of severe pancreatitis. These include fever or chills, a fast heartbeat, and yellow skin or eyes. Left untreated, these problems can be fatal. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain, trouble breathing, or severe or nonstop vomiting. Also go if you vomit blood, faint, or have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms and risk factors. They can order first tests and help you coordinate care with a gastroenterologist or other specialists.

Common questions

Does pancreatitis go away?

It depends on the type. Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may help relieve pain. It may also improve how well the pancreas works and manage complications.

Can pancreatitis be prevented?

No, you can’t prevent pancreatitis, but you can take steps to help you stay healthy. These steps include keeping a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking.

Why should people with pancreatitis stop drinking alcohol?

Alcohol use can cause acute and chronic pancreatitis. If you keep drinking with acute pancreatitis, you can have more episodes of it. It can also lead to the chronic form.

Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute - Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
  2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms and Causes of Pancreatitis
  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Pancreatitis
  4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Pancreatitis

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.