Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is part of the digestive system and is responsible for releasing enzymes into the intestine to help break down food molecules. Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and passes through the pancreas on its way to the small intestine. Together, bile and enzymes break large food molecules into smaller ones so nutrients can be absorbed by the body.

The pancreas also helps regulate blood sugar by releasing hormones. Insulin lowers blood sugar, while glucagon raises it. Because of this, the pancreas functions as both an exocrine organ, releasing digestive substances outside the body, and an endocrine organ, releasing hormones into the blood.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells that make up the pancreas begin to divide uncontrollably and invade nearby tissues. Since the pancreas contains different types of cells, there are different forms of pancreatic cancer:

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer: Originates in the cells that produce digestive enzymes. About 95% of pancreatic cancers begin here.
• Endocrine pancreatic cancer: Originates in the cells that regulate blood sugar by producing hormones. These cancers are less common and are more often benign.

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer develops as a result of changes to the genetic material within pancreatic cells. These changes lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division. While the exact causes are still being studied, the following factors may increase risk:

• Aging
• Being male
• Being obese or overweight
• Certain genetic mutations
• Certain inherited syndromes
• Certain infections
• Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Diabetes
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
• Smoking cigarettes

How Is Pancreatic Cancer Detected?

Our specialists collect information about medical history, surgical history, social history, and family history, conduct laboratory tests, and review imaging studies to provide the most comprehensive and personalized care.

If pancreatic cancer is suspected, doctors may order imaging studies such as a CT scan, PET scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. A CT scan uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of the body. A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to locate cancer cells by showing areas of increased activity.

• A PET-CT combines CT and PET technology for more detailed results.
• An MRI uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of internal structures.
• An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the body’s organs and tissues.

If imaging suggests a suspicious mass, a biopsy will likely be performed to confirm a diagnosis and plan treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The following may indicate pancreatic cancer but can also be signs of other illnesses:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Abnormal weight loss
• Back pain
• Dark urine
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

It is important to notify your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms so he or she can determine the cause and recommend treatment if necessary.

Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

Staging determines how far pancreatic cancer has spread and guides treatment. Staging differs between exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cancers. For exocrine pancreatic cancer, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) defines the stages as follows:

Stage 0

Cancer involves only the surface of the duct cells lining the pancreas.

Stage I

Cancer has grown past the duct cells but remains confined to the pancreas.

Stage II

Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or outside the pancreas but remains relatively localized.

Stage III

Cancer has spread to nearby blood vessels and nerves and may involve lymph nodes.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.

How Is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the stage and type of pancreatic cancer. Options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. These treatments may be used individually or in combination depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Some important factors to consider when creating a treatment plan include:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The stage of your cancer
• Any other serious health conditions
• Your feelings about starting treatment right away
• Your doctor’s recommendation about urgency
• The likelihood of treatment success
• Possible side effects of treatment

Although you may feel pressure to decide quickly, it is very important to ask questions if anything is unclear. Working closely with your doctor ensures the treatment plan balances benefits with potential side effects.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. At The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our teams around you. Our expert oncologists will help guide you through this difficult time, answering your questions and supporting you at every step. We are here for you and will do everything in our power to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.