Pancreatic Cancer
Your pancreas is located below the stomach, in the lower part of the abdomen. It releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreatic tissues. The tumors in the pancreas can be cancerous or noncancerous. The most common type of pancreatic cancer starts in the lining of the pancreatic ducts (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma). Most pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in patients aged 65 and older.
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Old age
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Family history of BRCA2 gene mutation,
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer shows mundane symptoms in the early stages, which makes it less detectable. However, the more advanced the tumor grows, the more concerning the pancreatic cancer symptoms get. It is essential to pay attention to your body, more so if any of the above risk factors apply.
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain extending to the back
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Light-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Itchiness on the skin
- Diabetes or advancing diabetes
- Blood clots
- Jaundice
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
After a consultation with your GP, they likely recommend you to an oncologist for further testing. The Surgeons Association of Southern Texas, a pancreatic cancer center in Houston, maintains cutting-edge technology to test for and diagnose the type and stage of cancer. Your doctors may prescribe some of the following tests:
- Imaging
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Biopsy
- Blood test
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer treatment is planned based on the stage of cancer itself. The team of doctors working on the case outlines a treatment plan that usually includes chemotherapy, radiation, and pancreatic cancer surgery.
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist serving patients in Katy and Sugar Land. He completed his medical degree at Aga Khan University, followed by General Surgery residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He later completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at UPMC. Recognized by Houstonia Magazine as one of Houston’s top general surgeons, he treats conditions such as gallbladder disease, hernias, and complex abdominal issues. Dr. Shakir also specializes in cancers of the colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas, and performs advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. LEARN MORE
Dr. Murtaza Shakir has been ranked as one of the top doctors of General surgery in Houston, as per Houstonia
Houstonia
Our Surgeon
Board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Shakir is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist working in Katy and SUGAR LAND. After graduating from Medical School at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, he ventured to complete his residency in General Surgery at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He also specializes in providing the most cutting edge and personalized treatment for patients with Breast Cancer.
As a general surgeon he provides expert treatment of common general surgical problems like Gallbladder Surgery and Hernia Repair and complex abdominal wall reconstruction.
Being the only Board Certified Surgical Oncologist outside of the Texas Medical Center, Dr. Shakir specializes in treatment of various Malignancies ranging from Colon, Rectal, Liver and Pancreatic cancer
Schedule A Consultation Today
For more information on our procedures or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment please reach us at our Katy or Sugar Land location, or contact Dr. Shakir, a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist, directly. Dr. Sakir can let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure, and can recommend any additional treatments that can help you reach your goals.
However, mentioned below our Katy, TX clinic address when looking for lesion on skin removal surgery near Katy, Fulshear, Richmond:
410 W Grand Pkwy S,
Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494.
Patients looking for competent surgeon near me for lesion on skin removal from Sugar Land, TX, Stafford, Fort Bend or Greater Houston area, can visit our below clinic location
17510 W Grand Pkwy Suite No 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Personalized Surgical Treatment from a Board-Certified Surgeon in Greater Houston.
Delivering safe, minimally invasive surgical solutions for hernia, gallbladder, and other general surgical conditions to help patients recover faster.
Testimonials
Compassionate Care. Proven Surgical Results.
Exceptional surgical results begin with listening closely, understanding each patient’s concerns, and delivering care that treats every individual with the respect, compassion, and attention of family.
Jide Eboh
Houston
Surgical associates of Southern Texas is a great practice with amazing medical assistants, staff, and a great surgeon. Dr.Murtaza did a routine and successful Hernia repair with no complications. The staff was very kind and accompanying of my schedule as I am constantly out of town. I would recommend him to anyone searching for a general surgeon.
Maryna Solodka
Katy
Dr Shakir literally turned my life to the better! The level of professionalism and care he treated me with was the top, which is hard to meet nowadays in the digital world we live in. Dr. Shakir patiently answered all my questions before the surgery to ensure I knew what is and will be happening and so I could feel in peace. If you ever need to go through such life changing event like internal organ surgery I recommend you reach out to Dr Shakir so he can go through those changes with you!
Lydia Dennis
Sugar Land
My gastroenterologist referred me to Dr Shakir as an option for my gallbladder removal, and I’m so glad he did. From the initial consultation to today’s post-op appointment with Dr Shakir and his staff, everything went very smoothly. He did the robotic laparoscopic removal and the incisions look amazing. Dr Shakir is knowledgeable, efficient, and professional. I hope I don’t need a general surgeon in the future, but if I do, I’d 100% book another surgery with him.
Whether performing hernia repair or gallbladder surgery, Dr. Shakir is known for his precision, patient-focused professionalism, and dedication to outcomes that help patients feel confident and at ease.
He takes the time to clearly explain each step of the process, ensuring patients understand their options and feel fully prepared before surgery.
From consultation through recovery, his approach emphasizes safety, transparency, and compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Our Blogs
Hernia Pain Without a Visible Bulge: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Surgeon
Hernia • Patient Education Hernia Pain Without a Visible Bulge: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Surgeon Groin or abdominal pain that flares when you lift, cough, or stand for a long time is...
Making the most of surgical outputs
Having one-on-one interaction with our experienced surgeon helps understand the disease process and surgical procedure well. Whether it is for general surgery or surgical oncology, we always do our best to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes for both local and overseas patients .
Accepting Patients From Greater Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear Areas.
Patients visiting from the greater Houston and other areas of Texas are requested to call us for a confirming appointment. Overseas patients request us to contact us in advance for a detailed consultation.
Read More
Comprehensive Wound Care with In-Clinic & Mobile Services Across Houston
We provide advanced, personalized treatment for all types of wounds, including diabetic ulcers, chronic wounds, and post-surgical injuries. Our services are available both in-clinic and through mobile visits across Greater Houston. Healing is now easier—wherever you are.
Learn More