Track 7: Pancreatic Tumour

Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells within the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. There are two types of cells in the pancreas, the exocrine cells and endocrine cells. These cells also have different functions. About 94% of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors. The tumors start in the exocrine cells that make pancreatic enzymes which help in digestion. Within this category, the vast majority of tumors are adenocarcinomas. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors account for about 6% of all pancreatic tumors. They may be benign or malignant and they tend to grow slower than exocrine tumors. Pancreatic cancer can also spread to nearby lymph nodes (part of the immune system), blood vessels or nerves. Cancer cells may travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the liver. Treatment for pancreatic cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these.