Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Summary

Pancreatic cancer is one of the the most deadly of all cancers. It accounts for only 2 percent of cancer cases but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). However, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has declined over the last 15 to 25 years, possibly due to a reduction in cigarette smoking and healthier diets. 

Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the pancreas. The disease progresses rapidly but usually produces no symptoms in the early stages. Pancreatic cancer is often undetected until it has spread to other areas of the body(metastasized). Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and weight loss are typically the first signs of the disease.

The pancreas is a pear-shaped gland located in the middle of the abdomen behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which control blood sugar and digestive enzymes. Seventy percent of pancreatic cancers occur in the head portion of the gland.

There are two types of pancreatic cancer:

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer usually occurs in the cells of the ducts in the pancreas that carry digestive fluids. Ninety-five percent of pancreatic cancers of the exocrine are adenocarcinomas (cancer cells that occur in the lining of the pancreas where there are glandular [secretory] cells). There are others less common forms of this cancer as well.

• Endocrine pancreatic cancer occurs in cells of the pancreas that produce hormones including insulin and glucagon. These tumors are called islet cell carcinomas or endocrine tumors. A small percentage of pancreatic cancers are from endocrine cells.

The causes of pancreatic cancer are not known. However, major risk factors include smoking and hereditary conditions associated with predisposition to cancer. Patients whose immediate family members have had pancreatic cancer have a risk factor up to three times higher than the normal population.

An estimated 33,730 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, with 32,300 deaths predicted, according to the ACS. The disease occurs slightly more often in men than women. Approximately 4 percent of people diagnosed with cancer of the exocrine pancreas will survive 5 years or more.

Because exocrine cancers are far more common, the majority of this Patient Guide refers to pancreatic cancer of the exocrine cells.

About pancreatic cancer

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