The early stages of this cancer do not usually produce symptoms, so the disease is generally advanced when it is diagnosed. Its often referred to as a "silent killer". The estimated 5-year prevalence of people in the world living with pancreatic cancer is 4.1 per 100,000. This cancer is almost always fatal.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
There are broadly two types of Pancreatic cancer. It either affects the exocrine gland (the part that makes digestive enzymes) or the endocrine gland (the part that makes insulin and other hormones).
- Exocrine tumors: These are called Adenocarcinomas and commonly affect the pancreatic ducts. They are the most common type of pancreatic cancer found and account for >90% of all cases. Such cancers include Adenosquamous carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Giant cell carcinoma, Acinar cell carcinoma and Small cell carcinoma.
- Endocrine tumors: these are called Islet cell or neuroendocrine tumors and tumors affect the hormone producing cells. They are not as common and are often found to be benign (non-cancerous). Such cancers include Insulinomas, Glucagonomas, Somatostainomas, Gastrinomas, VIPomas and Non-secreting islet tumors.
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer are as follows:
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ): abnormal cells are present in the lining of the pancreas.
Stage IA: The tumor is <2 cms.
Stage IB: The tumor is >2cms.
Stage IIA: Cancer may have spread to nearby tissue and organs.
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the major blood vessels or nerves supplying the pancreas.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as liver, lung and peritoneal cavity (the gap that holds the stomach, liver and intestines).
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