Knowra Pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer is a group of malignant tumors arising in the pancreas, most commonly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It often spreads before causing distinctive symptoms.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma : The most common pancreatic cancer, arising from ductal cells and characterized by invasive gland-forming tumors. It accounts for most cases and defines the disease’s typical biology.
Pancreatic cancer staging : The classification of pancreatic cancer by tumor extent, lymph-node involvement, and distant spread. Stage determines whether treatment aims at cure, control, or symptom relief.
Pancreas : An abdominal organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones including insulin and glucagon. Its endocrine and digestive roles explain the range of symptoms tumors can cause.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor : A tumor arising from hormone-producing cells of the pancreas, with behavior ranging from indolent to malignant. It differs from ductal adenocarcinoma in cell of origin, biology, and often prognosis.
Pancreatic cancer screening : Testing people without symptoms to detect pancreatic cancer or its precursors before clinical presentation. No broadly recommended screening test exists for average-risk people.
KRAS : A gene encoding a signaling protein that regulates cell growth and is frequently mutated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mutated KRAS commonly drives early tumor growth in the predominant pancreatic cancer.
Whipple procedure : A major operation removing the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. It is a principal surgical option for tumors in the pancreatic head.
Pancreatic duct : A channel that carries digestive secretions from the pancreas toward the small intestine. The most common pancreatic cancer develops from cells lining these ducts.
Acinar cell carcinoma : A rare pancreatic malignancy arising from enzyme-producing acinar cells. Its acinar origin and clinical features distinguish it from the common ductal form.
Liquid biopsy : Analysis of tumor-derived material, such as DNA, in blood or other bodily fluids. Researchers are testing whether blood-based signals can detect disease earlier.
Show all 27