Journal of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Open Access

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer develops when uncontrolled cell growth begins during a part of the pancreas. Symptoms include jaundice and abdominal pain, but these might not appear until the later stages. The pancreas is found behind the stomach within the back of the abdomen, near the gallbladder. It contains glands that make hormones, including insulin, and enzymes. Pancreatic cancer arises when cells within the pancreas, a glandular organ behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade other parts of the body. A number of types of pancreatic cancer are known.

The risk of developing pancreatic cancer is lower among nonsmokers, and people who maintain a healthy weight and limit their consumption of red or processed meat. Smokers' chances of developing the disease decrease if they stop smoking and almost return thereto of the remainder of the population after 20 years. Pancreatic cancer are often treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative care, or a combination of these. Treatment options are partly based on the cancer stage. Surgery is the only treatment that can cure pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and may also be done to improve quality of life without the potential for cure. Pain management and medications to improve digestion are sometimes needed. Early palliative care is recommended even for those receiving treatment that aims for a cure.

The carcinoma Action Network urges Black Americans to participate in clinical trials. This not only gives them access to treatment which may rather be unavailable, but it also increases the likelihood of research taking Black people’s needs under consideration. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced cancer. Patients diagnosed at an earlier stage also can develop advanced cancer if it spreads.

Pancreatic cancer types can be divided into two larger categories: exocrine pancreatic cancer, which includes adenocarcinoma, and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. Each category has several cancer types that may vary in their symptoms and prognosis.

Exocrine (N"art-17">Pancreas exocrine secretion represents a posh response to a meal which involves the coordinated release and transport of enzymes from acinar cells and fluid and electrolytes from duct cells into the pancreatic ductal system and then into the duodenal lumen where they are required for normal digestion.

The next-most common type, acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas, arises in the clusters of cells that produce these enzymes, and represents 5% of exocrine pancreas ancers. Like the 'functioning' endocrine cancers described below; acinar cell carcinomas may cause over-production of certain molecules, in this case digestive enzymes, which may cause symptoms such as skin rashes and joint pain.

Neuroendocrine cells are like nerve cells in some ways and like hormone-making endocrine cells in other ways. Cells during this system don't form actual organs. Instead, they're scattered throughout other organs just like the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and lungs.

Neuroendocrine cells (sometimes just called endocrine cells) in the pancreas are found in small clusters called islets (or islets of Langerhans). These islets make important hormones like insulin and glucagon (which help control blood glucose levels), and release them directly into the blood.

Pain in the upper abdomen or back, often spreading from around the stomach to the back. The location of the pain can indicate the part of the pancreas where a tumor is located. The pain may be worse at night and may increase over time to become severe and unremitting. It may be slightly relieved by bending forward. In the UK, about half of new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed following a visit to a hospital emergency department for pain or jaundice.

Pancreatic cancer develops when uncontrolled cell growth begins during a part of the pancreas. Symptoms include jaundice and abdominal pain, but these might not appear until the later stages. The pancreas is found behind the stomach within the back of the abdomen, near the gallbladder. It contains glands that make hormones, including insulin, and enzymes.