ESMO Patients Guide
What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that forms in certain cells of the pancreas. Most pancreatic cancers (approximately 95%) begin in the exocrine pancreas. Tumours can also form in the endocrine pancreas, but these are uncommon and often benign (not cancerous). This guide provides information on cancers of the exocrine pancreas.
Most pancreatic cancers begin in the exocrine cells of the pancreas
What are the different types of pancreatic cancer? There are three main categories of pancreatic cancer: • Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. Almost all of these cancers develop in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas. • Cystic tumours: These cause a cyst (fluid-filled sac) to form in the pancreas. Most pancreatic cysts are benign, but some are cancerous. • Acinar cell cancer: This cancer develops in the acinar cells of the pancreas, which lie at the ends of the ducts that produce digestive enzymes.
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