What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is an organ found in the abdomen, behind the stomach and surrounded by the small intestine, liver, and spleen that produces enzymes and hormones. 

Most of the pancreas consists of the exocrine gland. This gland produces enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins and fats in foods. A small portion of the pancreas consists of endocrine cells. These cells produce insulin, a hormone that helps balance sugar levels in the blood.

At times these cells begin to grow abnormally and turn into tumors. Both the exocrine and endocrine cells can form tumors. While some tumors are not cancerous (benign), most tumors tend to be cancerous. These tumors often disrupt the normal activity of the cells and can also produce enzymes and hormones that can may spread and harm other organs and body functions.

While it is a serious disease, pancreatic cancer is rare. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 40,000 people in the United States (less than one-tenth of a percent of the population) will be diagnosed with a form of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancers are very difficult to detect and are often found in advanced forms. Very little is known about the cause of pancreatic cancer, but it tends to be more prevalent in smokers. The majority of cases are found in people over the age of 60.

Most pancreatic cancers do not produce symptoms until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, therefore is not found until the cancer has spread, making treatment difficult. Most pancreatic cancers (tumors) grow large enough to cause extreme discomfort.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer, read the following pages:

• Types of pancreatic cancer
• Treatment for pancreatic cancer
• Clinical trials for pancreatic cancer 

For a virtual tour of the SCCA clinic, click here.

If you would like to make an appointment at SCCA, or for more information about the SCCA's services, contact the Patient Intake Office, at (206) 288-SCCA (7222). You will speak with one of our intake staff who works with pancreatic cancer patients and who will be able to answer many of your questions.

Related Articles

• Dr. Teri Brentnall, gastrointestinal specialist, is also a cancer survivor who has faced many other challenges in life. For the King-5 video special, click here.

August 2007