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Pancreatic Cancer

Condition Basics

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the pancreaspancreas. The pancreas is a small organ located deep in the belly, behind your stomach.

The pancreas makes juices that help your body digest food. It also makes insulin and other hormones that help control your blood sugar.

There are two main types of pancreatic tumors: exocrine and endocrine. The type of tumor depends on which type of cells are involved. Exocrine (say "EX-oh-krin") cells make digestive juices. Endocrine (say "EN-doh-krin") cells make insulin. Most people with pancreatic cancer have exocrine tumors, which grow faster than endocrine tumors.

Treatments are more successful when cancer is found early. But in most cases, pancreatic cancer has already spread by the time it is found. Still, treatment may help you feel better, and it helps some people live longer.

What causes it?

Experts don't know what causes pancreatic cancer. But they do know that changes in the body's DNADNA play a role in many cancers.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually don't begin until the cancer has spread. Then, symptoms may include pain in the upper belly or the back, unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, or jaundicejaundice.

How is it diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, you may have some tests. These may include lab tests, such as blood tests, or an imaging test, such as a CT scan or MRI. You may also have a biopsy. This means taking a tissue sample from the pancreas to see if it has cancer cells.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Treatment for pancreatic cancer is based on the stagestage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. Surgery is done if all of the cancer can be removed. Other treatments include radiation therapyradiation therapy, chemotherapychemotherapy, targeted therapytargeted therapy, and immunotherapyimmunotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together. (This is called chemoradiation.)

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Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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