Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer starts in the tissues of the pancreas, an abdominal organ that produces enzymes for digestion and the hormone insulin for managing blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. It is difficult to diagnose pancreatic at an early stage when it is most curable because of no available early detection screening.

About pancreatic cancer

The two main types of cancer in the pancreas are:

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma – most common type of exocrine cancer that occurs in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas
Endocrine – occurs in the hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells of the pancreas

Risk Factors

Risk factors vary per type of cancer. However, these common factors may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer:

Smoking tobacco
Heavy alcohol use
Diabetes
Pancreatitis
Family history of pancreatic cancer
Obesity
Over age 65
Some inherited genetic mutations

Consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Learn more about genetic counseling and testing here

Symptoms

There are currently no screening tests to detect pancreatic cancer early. Symptoms often don't occur until the cancer has spread. They can include:

Unintentional weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
Stomach pain that wraps around to your back
Dark urine or pale stool
Vomiting
Itchy skin
New onset blood clots
New onset diabetes
Fatigue

See your doctor if you're concerned about any symptoms.

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Diagnosis

Physical exams will help your doctor identify if more diagnostic tests are needed. If they suspect cancer, you may undergo:

Ultrasound
Biopsy to remove or sample abnormal tissue
Lab tests – commonly liver function and tumor markers
Genetic blood tests
Computed tomography (CT) scan – pancreatic protocol CT scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – pancreatic protocol MRI scan
Scoping tests – such as an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or laparoscopy

Treatment and Therapies

Your doctor will provide information about your treatment options, so you can decide what plan is best for you and your specific situation.

Your treatment will depend on a number of things — your overall level of health, extent of disease and how your body handles the different therapies. Treatment options may include: