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For more than two years, Daniel Orozco suffered from a bewildering array of health problems that kept him from enjoying life. Then, fortunately, a CT scan of his lungs also revealed a lesion on his pancreas.
His doctor immediately referred him to the Illinois Center for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases (ICPHD) at NCH for tests. When the results revealed that Daniel had a neuroendocrine tumor, he was introduced to Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria, who advised immediate surgery to remove half of Daniel's pancreas and all of his spleen—along with the tumor.
Daniel scheduled the procedure without delay. When it was over, he received some welcomed news—not only did Dr. Bilimoria and his team remove the entire tumor, they were able to save Daniel's spleen.
Today, Daniel is feeling good and enjoying his new lease on life. "2010 better look out," he said. "I'm back and I'm going to be better than ever."
Daniel is just one of the many pancreatic cancer patients who have found new hope at NCH. If you or someone you know has pancreatic cancer, learn more about our pancreas-related services.



Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria, the director of the Illinois Center for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases (ICPHD), is bringing new hope to patients with diseases of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. He is a surgeon who specializes in some of the world's most challenging operations, including the Whipple Procedure. Thanks to his expertise, NCH is able to offer innovative treatments that can give pancreatic cancer patients a real chance for a cure.
Dr. Bilimoria performed a distal pancreatectomy to remove Daniel's tumor. This procedure allowed him to remove the tail of Daniel's pancreas (where the tumor was located), while leaving the main portion of the organ intact. Though the spleen is usually removed during this surgery because of the close proximity of the organs, Dr. Bilimoria's considerable experience made it possible to save Daniel's spleen.