Types of Pancreatic Cancer: Everything You Need To Know

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1. What is Pancreatic Cancer
2. Video explaining why prevention is a better option
3. Types of Pancreatic Cancer
4. Most treatable pancreatic cancer
5. What to do after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Diagnosing and understanding pancreatic cancer can be a daunting process.

Our goal in this article is to provide you with an overview of the most commonly diagnosed forms of pancreatic cancer.

We will also discuss potential treatments for each type and the following steps if you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a type of malignant tumour that grows in the pancreas, the organ responsible for storing and releasing digestive juices into the small intestine.

The different types of pancreatic cancer cells grow differently and behave differently from one another.

Exocrine tumours, which make up 80-90% of all pancreatic cancers, develop in the exocrine gland, or part of the pancreas that produces digestive enzymes.

Endocrine tumors ( NET, insulinoma, glucagonoma, VIPoma, Gastrinoma) arise from the cells secreting respective types of hormones.

Cystic Tumors like- serous cystadenoma ( SCN), mucinous cystic neoplasm ( MCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm ( IPMN), Solid  Pseudopapillary Neoplasm ( SPN) are considered benign.

However, except for SCN, others have the potential to turn malignant.

Before we get to know the types of Pancreatic Cancer, Watch this video to know Why it is important to know the Prevention.

Exocrine Tumors:

The most common type of pancreatic cancer is exocrine tumors, which form from the cells in the pancreas responsible for making digestive enzymes.

Adenocarcinomas account for approximately 95% of all pancreatic cancers and can grow quickly in size.

Other, less common exocrine cancers include adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, signet ring cell carcinomas, and undifferentiated carcinomas.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (PanNEN):

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) make up only 5-10% of all pancreatic cancer cases and develop slowly over time.

This category has 2 types of neoplasms (a) neuroendocrine tumors (b) neuroendocrine neoplasms

Acinar Cell Carcinoma:

This rare form of pancreatic cancer develops in the cells that produce digestive enzymes and is typically more aggressive than other types of pancreatic cancer.

All types of pancreatic cancer can be treated, but the most treatable are NETs and cystic tumours ( SCN, IPMN, SPEN).

Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for these tumours, as it offers the greatest chance for a cure.

For other more aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer such as adenocarcinoma, a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be necessary based on the extent of the tumor.

Also Read : Treatments used for Pancreatic Cacner 

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it is important to seek out an experienced oncologist or surgeon who specializes in this type of cancer.

Your doctor should discuss your treatment options with you and your family so that you can make an informed decision.

It is also important to ask your doctor questions about the potential side effects of treatment, as well as any possible clinical trials or new treatments available.

It is also important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options.

Also Read : 5 Early symptoms that might lead to Pancreatic Cancer

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer varies in terms of treatability depending on the type. Exocrine tumours, NETs, and cystic tumours are the most commonly diagnosed forms of pancreatic cancer.

Each type may require different treatments and it is important to consult an experienced oncologist or surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, staying up-to-date on new research and clinical trials can provide you with more information about potential treatments for each type of pancreatic cancer.