Hover over a term you want explained. If you need more details, then click on the term and a new tab will open with a full details page.
Pancreatic cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It plays an important role in digestion by producing juices that help break down food, and it also produces hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar levels. Most pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells, which make digestive juices. Less commonly, pancreatic cancer can develop in the endocrine cells, which produce hormones. These two types behave differently, with exocrine cancers being more common and usually diagnosed at a later stage, while endocrine tumors tend to be less common and may have a better outlook.
Pancreatic cancer is often hard to detect early because it usually does not cause symptoms in the beginning. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague or easy to overlook. Common signs include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pain in the abdomen or back, unexplained weight loss, and feeling very tired. Because the pancreas is hidden behind other organs, tumors are difficult to find during routine physical exams. This means pancreatic cancer is often found at an advanced stage, which can make treatment more challenging.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you may hear about its aggressive nature and the challenges in treatment. Doctors will likely explain the type of pancreatic cancer, its stage, and possible treatment options. These may include surgery to remove the tumor if possible, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies that aim to attack cancer cells more precisely. You might also hear about related terms like pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, which are a less common type of pancreatic cancer with a different outlook.
Doctors use the term pancreatic cancer to describe the disease during diagnosis, staging (understanding how far the cancer has spread), and treatment planning. Because pancreatic tumors are hard to detect, diagnosis usually involves imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, blood tests, and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Understanding the specific type and stage of pancreatic cancer helps doctors recommend the most appropriate treatments and monitor how well they are working over time.
It can be helpful to ask your healthcare team questions such as: What type of pancreatic cancer do I have? What stage is it? What treatment options are available? What symptoms should I watch for? How will we monitor the cancer over time? These questions can help you better understand your diagnosis and feel more involved in your care.
Hearing the term pancreatic cancer does not mean the same thing for every person. The type of pancreatic cancer, its stage, and your overall health all influence treatment and outlook. Reading the term in context—such as in a pathology report or treatment discussion—can provide more clarity about what it means for your individual care.
This information is meant to educate and support patients and caregivers but cannot replace personalized medical advice. Each person’s situation is unique, and decisions about diagnosis and treatment depend on many factors. Always discuss your specific case with your healthcare team to get advice tailored to your needs.
If you or a loved one has been told about pancreatic cancer, the next step is to learn more about the specific diagnosis, ask your care team about treatment options, and consider support resources. Understanding the basics of pancreatic cancer can help you feel more prepared to face the challenges ahead and make informed decisions about care.
Public source information used for this glossary entry includes: