Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and often fatal form of cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas. It is primarily classified into exocrine and endocrine tumors, with exocrine tumors being far more common.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don’t appear until the disease is advanced but may include jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, and dark urine. If the cancer blocks the bile duct, individuals may also experience itching and digestive issues.

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Risk Factors

The primary risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, which significantly increases the risk, and age, with most cases occurring in people over 60. Other factors include a family history of pancreatic cancer, certain inherited genetic conditions (like BRCA mutations), and chronic pancreatitis. Obesity, a high-fat diet, and diabetes are also associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

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Subtypes of

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It begins in the cells lining the pancreatic ducts, which transport digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine.

Subtypes:

  • Well-Differentiated Adenocarcinoma
  • Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcinoma
  • Medullary Adenocarcinoma
  • Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs)
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These are rare tumors that originate in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. Unlike pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can be either benign or malignant. They can be functional (producing hormones) or non-functional (not producing hormones).

Subtypes:

  • Insulinoma
  • Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome)
  • Glucagonoma
  • Somatostatinoma
  • VIPoma
  • Non-functioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Pancreatoblastoma
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A rare type of pancreatic tumor that occurs mainly in children but can also appear in adults. Pancreatoblastoma is thought to originate from embryonic cells in the pancreas and is generally treated surgically.

Cystic Pancreatic Neoplasms
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These are rare tumors of the pancreas that contain cysts (fluid-filled sacs). Cystadenomas are benign, while cystadenocarcinomas are malignant. These tumors tend to be diagnosed through imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs.

Subtypes:

  • Mucinous Cystadenoma
  • Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma
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Disclaimer: This list provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most common cancerous solid tumors, including theirtypes, subtypes, symptoms and risk factors. However, it is important to note that this list may not capture everypossible tumor type and subtype within this category. Cancer research is continually evolving, and new types andsubtypes may emerge over time. For a complete and personalized understanding of a cancer type or sub-type,individuals should consult medical professionals or oncologists. This information is intended for educationalpurposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.