Pancreatic Cancer

Tumors of the Pancreas

The pancreas has two main types of cells, exocrine and endocrine. Each type can form different malignancies or benign tumors. In addition, tumors can spread to the pancreas from other organs. Advanced technology has helped physicians recognize more cystic tumors of the pancreas. Although many tumors are benign, one cystic tumor — the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm — is premalignant and warrants aggressive treatment.

Exocrine Cell Tumors

Pancreatic exocrine cells typically form adenocarcinomas, malignancies that start in the ducts of the pancreas. About 95 percent of pancreatic cancers develop from exocrine cells and are adenocarcinomas. Other less common types of exocrine cell cancers include:

• Mucinous noncystic carcinoma
• Adenosquamous carcinomas
• Mucinous cyst adenocarcinoma
• Intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma

Physicians base treatment plans for exocrine pancreatic cancer on how far the cancer has spread, rather than its exact type. Benign tumors of the exocrine cells are called cystadenomas.

Endocrine Cell Tumors

Tumors that form from endocrine cells of the pancreas are less common and more likely to be benign than exocrine cell tumors. Known as neuroendocrine tumors or islet cell tumors, their name is based on the hormone that they produce. Tumors that develop from endocrine cells that are not hormonally active are called nonfunctioning islet tumors.

Physicians at Mayo Clinic work as a team to diagnose the type and stage of pancreatic cancer and formulate the best treatment plan.

Mayo Clinic physicians have experience treating all types of pancreatic tumors. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranked No. 1 among U.S. hospitals in the specialty of digestive disorders in the 2008 U.S. News Best Hospitals ranking.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer typically does not exhibit noticeable symptoms early in its development. The most classic symptom is that of painless jaundice, which occurs because the tumor obstructs the bile duct and causes yellow eyes and dark urine.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Dark urine

As the cancer spreads, some people experience pain in the upper abdomen and back. Activities such as eating or lying down may cause increased pain. Nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and the onset of diabetes may also be signs of pancreatic cancer.

One form of pancreatic cancer, islet cell cancer, can cause the pancreas to make excess insulin or other hormones. Weakness, dizziness, chills, muscle spasms or diarrhea may result.