Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in part of the pancreas. This may affect how the pancreas works, including the functioning of the exocrine or endocrine glands.Pancreatic cancer can occur in any part of the pancreas, but about 70% of pancreatic cancers are located in the head of the pancreas but can also spread to nearby lymph nodes (part of the immune system), blood vessels or nerves. Cancer cells may travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the liver.
There are two main types of tumours that occur in the pancreas. Exocrine tumours make up the majority of pancreatic tumours. The most common exocrine tumour, called an adenocarcinoma, begins in the lining of the pancreatic duct. Other types of exocrine tumours include adenosquamous carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas.Pancreatic NETs begin in the endocrine cells. These cells produce hormones that control the growth of cells in the body. Pancreatic NETs are categorised as either hormone secreting (functioning) or non-hormone secreting (non-functioning).
Risk Factors
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer. Risk factors include: ageing, smoking, new onset type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, family history and inherited conditions.
Diagnosis
If it is suspected you have pancreatic cancer or a pancreatic NET, you will undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests may include blood tests, a CT scan and other imaging tests, endoscopic tests and tissue sampling (biopsy).
Treatment
Surgery to remove the cancer, in combination with chemotherapy, and possibly radiotherapy, is generally the most effective treatment for early-stage pancreatic cancer.
The type of surgery for early-stage pancreatic cancer will depend on the size of the tumour and where it is located. Options include:
If the cancer is locally advanced to nearby organs or blood vessels, or has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body, surgery to remove the cancer may not be possible.
Instead your treatment team will consider treatment to relieve symptoms including jaundice, digestive problems and pain. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, either on their own or in combination.
Other types of treatment for advanced pancreatic NETs include radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and chemoembolisation.
Pancreatic cancer, and treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect your ability to eat, digest and absorb food. This can have a significant impact on nutrition.