Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is made up of both endocrine and exocrine tissues, which give rise to its functions. The endocrine tissue is responsible for producing hormones, including insulin, which are released into the bloodstream. The exocrine tissue produces enzymes that aid in the digestion of food and are delivered into the small intestine by way of the pancreatic duct. The bile duct, which drains bile from the liver, also travels through the pancreas on its way into the small intestine.

The most common type of pancreatic cancer affects the exocrine cells of the pancreas and is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Cystic tumors or neoplasms can also develop in the pancreas, which are most often premalignant or benign. Other rare types of pancreatic cancer include islet cell tumors (a type of neuroendocrine tumor), lymphomas, and sarcomas of the pancreas.