Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a fast-growing cancer that occurs in the pancreas, a part of the digestive system that makes digestive juices called enzymes.

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Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ deep inside your body, between your stomach and your spine.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It begins in the exocrine cells of the pancreas. This is where the pancreas makes enzymes that help you digest food. Much less common than pancreatic adenocarcinoma are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, which are a kind of neuroendocrine cancer.

Collaborative, multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer care

At University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, your care team is made up of experts in pancreatic cancer. They include surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, genetic counselors, nurses, and others, who all work together to design a treatment plan tailored to your cancer and your needs — including your life after treatment.

Leaders in pancreatic cancer care

Holden researchers are also actively involved in cutting-edge studies funded by the National Cancer Institute that are testing new ways to treat pancreatic cancer.

One study uses high doses of Vitamin C that are delivered intravenously to weaken cancer cells and make them easier for drugs and radiation to kill. Another uses nanovaccines to boost the body’s own immune system to help it find and kill cancer cells.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer

The cause of pancreatic cancer is not known. But some things are known to increase your chances of getting pancreatic cancer, such as some inherited disorders and lifestyle choices. This includes:

Being overweight
Smoking
Heavy drinking of alcohol
Having diabetes
A family history of the disease or inheriting certain genes from your parents
Having a condition called chronic pancreatitis

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t have symptoms until it has grown and spread. Symptoms are hard for you or your provider to notice because there is no easy way to feel or see your pancreas.

Symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma include:

Jaundice, which is yellowing of your eyes and skin
Weight loss you didn’t expect
Back or belly pain
Loss of your appetite for food
Light-colored or fatty stool
Blood clots that cause pain and swelling, usually in your leg

All of these symptoms are more often caused by conditions that are not pancreatic cancer, but you should still discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed

In addition to reviewing your health history and family history, and completing a physical exam, your provider may perform the following tests to determine if you have pancreatic cancer:

Blood tests. Blood sample is used to measure the levels of certain substances, like bilirubin, in your blood. If these levels are higher or lower than normal, it can be a sign that something isn’t working as it should in your body.
Computed tomography (CT). These scans can help your provider see the exact size and position of your tumor.
Abdominal ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound. Ultrasounds use sound waves to help your provider detect the location and number of tumors in the pancreas and surrounding areas.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These scans can help your provider see the exact size and position of your tumor. Your provider can also use this to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Biopsy. This test involves taking a sample of your tumor and viewing it under a microscope to see if any cancer cells are present.

If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, your provider may also recommend molecular testing. This test can show specific genetic mutations or changes in your tumor. Knowing these mutations can help your provider choose a treatment that targets the type of cells found in your specific tumor.

Cancer patient in hallway at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Every cancer diagnosis is unique.

That’s why getting a second opinion matters. Our cancer experts can confirm your diagnosis and help you understand all your treatment options.

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Treatments for pancreatic cancer

Most pancreatic cancers are diagnosed after they have already spread to other areas of the body. Your treatment will depend on the stage and type of cancer. Pancreatic cancer can be treated several different ways, and typically more than one therapy is used.

The most common surgical technique to remove pancreatic tumors is a Whipple procedure, which is a very complex surgery to remove cancer in the head of the pancreas.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, or to help kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

For some pancreatic cancer patients, joining a clinical trial may be an option. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or new ways of using current treatments, which could increase your chances for recovery and improve your quality of life.