Pancreatic cancer occurs when diseased cells in your pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. Your pancreas makes enzymes (juices) that help your body digest food. This organ also makes hormones like insulin that control blood sugar levels.

There are different types of pancreatic cancer:

• Exocrine tumors: This cancer forms in the exocrine part of the pancreas that makes digestive juices. More than 9 in 10 pancreatic cancers are this type. The most common exocrine tumor, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, starts in cells lining the pancreatic ducts.
• Endocrine tumors: Also called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) or islet cell tumors, these slower-growing tumors account for less than 10% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. This cancer starts in the endocrine (islet) cells that make hormones.

Pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms when the tumor is small and the disease is in its early stage. Symptoms are more common when the tumor grows or the cancer spreads.

Common Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Abdominal or back pain, or painful arm or leg swelling due to a blood clot
• Dark-colored urine or oily stools that float
• Extreme fatigue
• Gas, bloating, nausea, or vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) or itchy skin
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• New onset of diabetes

Physicians don’t always know why cells in the pancreas become cancerous, but the process often involves genetic changes called mutations.

Some people may inherit a mutation that makes them more prone to pancreatic cancer. Gene changes that cause pancreatic cancer can also occur over time. These acquired mutations usually result from exposure to chemicals or other external factors.

Other risk factors that can increase your chances of pancreatic cancer include:

Physicians rely on physical exams, your medical history and various tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer. A physical exam may reveal jaundice, abdominal pain or abdominal fluid buildup called ascites.

Diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer include: 

• Blood tests: A blood test can show abnormal levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin that can occur in pancreatic cancer. Blood tests can also find tumor markers. These substances in your blood may be a sign of cancer.
• Imaging tests: Abdominal imaging can show masses in your pancreas. You may get a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This advanced imaging test looks specifically at the pancreatic ducts and bile ducts. It helps detect tumors that may be blocking these ducts. Physicians perform this advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedure using an endoscope (flexible lighted tube), X-rays and an injectable dye.
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC): A physician uses X-rays and an injectable dye to look for tumors and blockages.
• Pancreas biopsy: A physician removes a sample of tissue from the pancreatic tumor. Specialists in our Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine examine the sample for cancer cells. 

Treatments for pancreatic cancer vary depending on the tumor location, cancer stage and factors such as your age and overall health.

Surgery is the best treatment option when cancer is only in the pancreas. Unfortunately, only about 20% of people with pancreatic cancer can get surgery. In many cases, the cancer has already spread (metastatic cancer) or blood vessels near the tumor site make surgical removal too risky.

Medications can help kill cancer cells or slow down their growth. Drug therapies can help if you can’t get, or don’t want, pancreatic cancer surgery.

External radiation therapy uses a machine to deliver X-rays or proton particles through your skin to the tumor site. The radiation destroys cancer cells. This treatment also eases pancreatic cancer symptoms like abdominal or back pain.

At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, our team of pancreatic cancer specialists offer advanced cancer treatments and services. We tailor a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and offers the best outcomes.

Although there isn’t a known way to prevent pancreatic cancer, these steps may lower your risk:

1. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
2. Cut back on alcohol.
3. Eat a nutritious diet and stay physically active.
4. Find support to quit smoking through our Stop Tobacco Program (SToP).
5. Limit exposure to harmful chemicals.