Pancreatic cancer (Exocrine)

Jason Fleming, Matthew Katz, Rosa Hwang, Gauri Varadhachary

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

There are two distinct types of pancreatic cancer, differentiated by whether they arise from exocrine or endocrine tissue. By far the most common (up to 95 %) are neoplasms of the exocrine pancreas, and they are the focus of this discussion. Most exocrine pancreatic neoplasms (90 %) are adenocarcinomas, and three quarters of them arise in the head of the pancreas. Neoplasms of the endocrine pancreas are relatively rare and differ both biologically and clinically from exocrine cancers. Because they affect endocrine tissue, they often cause recognizable hormonal symptoms; thus, they are often detected at early stages and are more successfully treated. Exocrine pancreatic cancers, in contrast, do not cause early symptoms, and when symptoms appear, they are often vague in nature. By the time significant pain, jaundice, or weight loss is evaluated, disease is usually advanced, and as many as 80 % of patients present with disease defined as regionally advanced or metastatic on imaging studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication60 Years of Survival Outcomes at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages119-131
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781461451976
ISBN (Print)1461451965, 9781461451969
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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