Pancreatic cancer encompasses several types of tumors that develop in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The main types of pancreatic cancer include:
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases. It originates from the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas and is typically found in the exocrine part of the pancreas. Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is often aggressive and difficult to treat, with a poor prognosis.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs): PNETs, also known as islet cell tumors, originate from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas known as islet cells or neuroendocrine cells. These tumors can be functional, meaning they produce hormones that cause symptoms, or non-functional, meaning they do not produce hormones. PNETs are less common than pancreatic adenocarcinoma but tend to have a better prognosis, especially when diagnosed early.
Functioning PNETs: Functioning PNETs produce hormones such as insulin, glucagon, gastrin, somatostatin, and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), leading to specific symptoms depending on the hormone produced. Examples include insulinoma, glucagonoma, gastrinoma (associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), somatostatinoma, and VIPoma (associated with Verner-Morrison syndrome).
Non-functioning PNETs: Non-functioning PNETs do not produce hormones and may not cause symptoms until they grow large enough to cause abdominal pain or other signs of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatoblastoma: Pancreatoblastoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer that typically affects children under the age of 10. It is characterized by the presence of immature cells resembling fetal pancreatic tissue.