Irving, TX, Mar 22, 2019 – The essential functions of the pancreas are to produce digestive enzymes and the insulin and glucon hormones. Glucon and insulin are released into the bloodstream to maintain the levels of sugar in the blood. When pancreatic cells grow out of control, they can cause a tumor to form. The cells lining the pancreatic duct are often responsible for pancreatic cancer (exocrine tumor). Exocrine pancreatic cancers form 94% of all cancers.

“Most cells found in the pancreas form the exocrine ducts and glands,” explained Susan Echt. “Pancreatic cancers have distinct characteristics depending on their location in the pancreas and the type of cell the cancer started from. Doctors will determine the best treatment plan after knowing these two facts."

Here are common types of exocrine pancreatic cancers.

• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma – Adenocarcinoma is by far the most common form of exocrine pancreatic cancer that accounts for approximately 95% of all pancreatic cancers. This cancer starts in the cells lining the pancreatic duct.

• Acinar Cell Carcinoma – Acinar cell carcinoma is exocrine pancreatic cancer that is very rare. Some of the tumors can cause excessive production of the fat-digesting enzyme known as pancreatic lipase. The levels of pancreatic lipase can be measured in the blood.

• Intraductal Papillary-Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN)–This is a cystic tumor that grows in the pancreatic duct or the side branches of the pancreatic duct. It is a finger-like (papillary) that projects into the duct. An IPMN can be diagnosed as benign, but it can progress into malignancy. The risk becomes higher when the IPMN starts from the main pancreatic duct. It can be a precursor for adenocarcinoma.

• Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma – A rare form of exocrine pancreatic cancer, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a malignant, cystic tumor. The cyst is filled with mucin, a thick fluid. This type of cancer occurs in the tail of the pancreas and mostly affects women.

“Detecting exocrine pancreatic cancer early can help doctors to devise appropriate treatment plans that will cure the disease,” continued Susan Echt. “It is important to create awareness and have people, especially those at high risk of the disease take screening tests regularly.”

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.

Visit them at https://helpfightpancreaticcancer.org/facts-about-pancreatic-cancer/signs-symptoms/ to know more.