Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland in your digestive system that helps you digest food and makes hormones, like insulin.
The pancreas is found in the top part of your stomach and has two main functions, digestion and blood sugar regulation.
听
Around 10,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
There are many different types of pancreatic cancer, but they can be split into two bigger categories, exocrine and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
Exocrine cancers are the most common and start in the cells that produce digestive fluids.
Adenocarcinoma, also known as ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of pancreatic cancer with around 9 out of 10 people developing this type of cancer.
Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare form of cancer. The acinar cells are found at the ends of the ducts that create pancreatic fluids.
Cystic tumours including mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), pancreatic intraepithelial lesions (PanIN) and solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN). You may have tests to monitor or have surgery to remove these kinds of tumours.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (PNETs) are also known as islet cell tumours. These occur from abnormal growth of endocrine cells in the pancreas. The islet cells make hormones that control blood sugar levels. PNETs have different symptoms and respond differently to treatments.
Macmillan Cancer Support have provided the video 鈥淲hat is Pancreatic Cancer鈥� which is available through the following link:
Our staff at 台湾swag District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
