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The pancreas is a vital organ located behind the stomach that performs two essential functions: producing digestive enzymes (exocrine function) and producing insulin and glucagon for blood sugar regulation (endocrine function). Pancreatic diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect either or both of these functions, from acute pancreatitis to pancreatic cancer.
Acute pancreatitis, most commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol use, affects approximately 275,000 Americans annually. Chronic pancreatitis leads to progressive and irreversible damage to the pancreas. Pancreatic cysts are increasingly detected on imaging and require expert evaluation to determine cancer risk. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers, with early detection being critical for survival.
Dr. Jing Tong's expertise in ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is particularly valuable for pancreatic diseases. ERCP can treat gallstone pancreatitis and relieve pancreatic duct obstructions, while EUS provides the most detailed imaging of the pancreas and allows tissue sampling for cancer diagnosis. These advanced capabilities make our Flushing practice a center of excellence for pancreatic care.
Advanced fellowship at Johns Hopkins, a world leader in pancreatic disease research and treatment.
Licensed in therapeutic endoscopy. Expert ERCP for pancreatitis management and EUS for the most detailed pancreatic evaluation available.
Explain complex pancreatic conditions clearly in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
EUS-based surveillance for pancreatic cysts and high-risk patients, enabling early cancer detection.
The two most common causes are gallstones (blocking the pancreatic duct) and heavy alcohol use. Other causes include high triglycerides, certain medications, autoimmune disease, and genetic factors. In some cases, no cause is identified (idiopathic).
Most pancreatic cysts are benign or low-risk. However, some types (like mucinous cysts and certain IPMNs) have malignant potential. EUS with cyst fluid analysis is the best way to characterize a cyst and determine cancer risk. Dr. Tong will develop a surveillance or treatment plan based on the specific cyst type.
ERCP is crucial for gallstone pancreatitis, removing bile duct stones that caused the attack. For chronic pancreatitis, ERCP can relieve pancreatic duct obstructions, remove pancreatic stones, and place stents. Dr. Tong's expertise in therapeutic ERCP is a significant advantage for patients.
There is no routine screening for pancreatic cancer in the general population. However, high-risk individuals (family history, certain genetic syndromes, certain pancreatic cysts) benefit from EUS-based surveillance. Early-stage pancreatic cancer, while rare to catch, has significantly better outcomes with surgical resection.
When the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes, it leads to maldigestion, causing oily/fatty stools (steatorrhea), weight loss, bloating, and nutritional deficiencies. Treatment involves pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) taken with meals. This is common in chronic pancreatitis patients.
A low-fat diet with frequent small meals is generally recommended. Avoid alcohol completely. Adequate protein and calories are important. Patients with exocrine insufficiency should take pancreatic enzymes with all meals and snacks. Our team provides personalized nutritional guidance.
From pancreatitis to cancer screening, get comprehensive care from Dr. Jing Tong.
