Types of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic tumors are primarily categorized into two types:

• Exocrine tumors: These account for over 90% of all pancreatic tumors. The most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma, which originates in the organ's lining cells.
• Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): Less than 10% of pancreatic tumors fall into this category. Islet cell carcinoma is another term for NETs.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Early signs of pancreatic cancer are rare, and symptoms typically manifest once the tumor affects other digestive organs. Common pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stool
• Upper abdominal pain
• Middle back pain
• Fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Blood clots
• Weight loss
• New-onset diabetes

Healthcare providers may suspect pancreatic cancer if you develop diabetes or pancreatitis recently, which is inflammation in the pancreas causing severe pain.

Neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer symptoms may differ from typical pancreatic cancer symptoms and can include diarrhea and anemia.

How long does it take to notice pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer often doesn't present clear early signs, and some individuals experience vague symptoms up to a year before diagnosis. Many people mention that their initial symptoms of pancreatic cancer were either back pain or stomach pain. Initially, these symptoms may be intermittent but can worsen after meals or when lying down.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer's exact cause remains unclear, but experts have identified several risk factors associated with it:

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using other tobacco products.
• Obesity, particularly with excess weight around the waist.
• Diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes. New-onset diabetes may signal pancreatic cancer.
• Exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides and petrochemicals.
• Chronic pancreatitis, a persistent inflammation of the pancreas.
• Hereditary chronic pancreatitis due to inherited gene mutations.
• Hereditary syndromes with gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 passed down from biological parents.

What are the complications of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer commonly metastasizes to nearby blood vessels, lymph nodes, the liver, peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining), and lungs. At the time of diagnosis, most pancreatic cancers have already spread beyond the pancreas.