Pancreatic Cancer Center

Toward Stage 0 Detection: Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Using MRCP and EUS

At our Pancreatic Cancer Center, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer—one of the most challenging malignancies—under the leadership of surgeons certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery and board-certified expert surgeons recognized by the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

Diseases of the pancreas demand highly specialized expertise in both diagnosis and treatment. Successfully performing complex, high-risk surgeries with safety and precision requires the integrated strength and experience of a multidisciplinary medical team. Even in cases of advanced cancer, we provide comprehensive, team-based treatment centered on surgery, which remains the cornerstone of effective intervention.

To enhance early detection, we actively utilize a combination of MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) and EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound). Additionally, we incorporate the use of biomarkers that have shown promise in identifying pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages.

• If you are asymptomatic or interested in screening your pancreatic function, please apply to Preventive Medicine Center for screening.
• If you have symptoms or have a referral letter, please visit the Pancreatic Cancer Center Outpatient Clinic (Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Gastroenterology Center).
• If a pancreatic cyst was found during an abdominal ultrasound as part of a medical checkup or health screening, please visit the Pancreatic Cancer Center (Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Gastroenterology Center).

Appointments and Referrals

To minimize waiting times, we operate on a reservation-based system. While appointments are prioritized, same-day consultations may be available depending on the schedule.

Referrals from medical institutions

For English （or other language） speakers

Please contact us from Inquiry on this web site.

For Japanese speakers

For Referrals from Medical Institutions

Phone: 0467-45-8923
Reception Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fax: 0467-45-9784

For New Appointment Requests

Phone: 0467-84-8922
Reception Hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Consultation hours

Organizational Chart

Diagnostic Examinations

• Dynamic CT Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• PET-CT Scan
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Achievements

Staff

Dr. Hiroki Yamaue / Graduated from Wakayama Medical University (1981)

Deputy Director
Visiting Director, Pancreatic Cancer Center

Hiroki Yamaue

Dr. Toshiyasu Kawahara / Graduated from Juntendo University (1993)

Deputy Director, Pancreatic Cancer Center
Chief, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

Toshiyasu Kawahara

Dr. Kazuya Koizumi / Graduated from Asahikawa Medical University (2000)

Vice President
Deputy Director, Pancreatic Cancer Center
Chief, Department of Gastroenterology Center

Kazuya Koizumi

Dr. Noriko Fujiwara / Graduated from Showa University (1990)

Chief, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

Noriko Fujiwara

Dr. Sakue Masuda / Graduated from Showa University (2009)

Director, Center for Gastroenterology

Sakue Masuda

Dr. Mariko Tanaka / Graduated from Hirosaki University (2009)

Chief, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

Mariko Tanaka

Dr. Yuma Suno / Graduated from University of Tsukuba (2011)

Chief, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

Yuma Suno

Dr. Tomohiro Yamamoto / Graduated from Asahikawa Medical University (2016)

Chief Physician, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery

Tomohiro Yamamoto

Features

Never Give Up on Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that is difficult to detect and has a high mortality rate. This is largely because the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, hidden behind many other organs. Pancreatic cancer also has a very poor prognosis and the surgery required is considered highly complex.

With the motto of “Never Giving Up on Pancreatic Cancer Treatment,” we strive to provide accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound and PET-CT scans. Our treatment approach focuses primarily on surgery, complemented by chemotherapy, proton therapy, and tomotherapy—a form of radiation therapy that precisely targets tumors according to their shape. Moreover, for both benign and malignant pancreatic diseases, we actively perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to improve patient outcomes.

Key Features of Our Pancreatic Cancer Center

1. Personalized, patient-centered care
2. Highly experienced surgical team
3. Expert perioperative management
4. Rapid treatment initiation

Conditions We Treat

• Pancreatic cancer
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cystic tumors (including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: IPMN)
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET), and more

Early Detection Project for Pancreatic Cancer

The incidence of pancreatic cancer continues to rise in Japan, ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2021, following lung, colorectal, and stomach cancers. Since surgery is currently the only curative treatment, early detection and intervention at a stage where surgery is still possible are critical.

At our center, we are actively engaged in an early detection project in collaboration with local hospitals, primary care physicians, and community doctors to identify pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages and save lives.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer