What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells in the pancreas grow out of control. About 95 percent of pancreatic cancers begin in the exocrine cells.

Pancreatic cancer is now the fourth leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society. There will be an estimated 46,420 new pancreatic cancer cases in 2014, with the majority occurring in people 60 years of age or older.

What Is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland that produces juices that help digest food and hormones—such as insulin and glucagon—to help control blood sugar levels. Both of these hormones help the body use and store the energy it gets from food. There are two types of pancreas cells:

  • Exocrine pancreas cells produce the digestive juices
  • Endocrine pancreas cells produce the hormones

Anatomy of the pancreas

The pancreas has three areas: head, body, and tail. It is found in the abdomen near the stomach, intestines, and other organs.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, there are often no symptoms. When the disease is more advanced, you may experience abdominal pain and indigestion. Learn more about pancreatic cancer symptoms.

Pancreatic Cancer Causes

While there are no specific causes of pancreatic cancer, there are certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop the disease. Know your risk factors so you can take steps to lower your risk. Learn more about pancreatic cancer risk factors.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are many different types of pancreatic cancer, including adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, the most common type. Learn more about types of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

We use advanced diagnostic procedures to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Tests include a specialized procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Learn more about pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic Cancer Stages

Staging the cancer is the process of determining the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. Learn more about pancreatic cancer stages.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

We offer a wide range of treatments for pancreatic cancer, including advanced surgeries such as the Whipple procedure. Learn more about pancreatic cancer treatments.

Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing the disease. Learn more about pancreatic cancer prevention.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group

Join our monthly support group for pancreatic patients and caregivers. Learn more about our Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

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Clinical Trials for Pancreatic Cancer

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials

Clinics for Pancreatic Cancer