Pancreatic Cancer 101: Causes, Types, and Stages
We’re here to support you—patients and caregivers—as you navigate a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or seeking the latest in treatment and research, this page is designed to help empower you or your loved one in your care.
Please scroll down for in-depth stories from our pancreatic cancer patient community members.
Pancreatic Cancer 101
Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas grow out of control. The pancreas is a vital organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. Most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts of the pancreas7. There are different types, but the two main categories are:
- Exocrine pancreatic cancer: This is the most common type, making up about 95% of cases. It usually begins in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. (NCI)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): These are less common and start in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. They have different symptoms and treatments compared to exocrine cancers.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to detect early because symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. However, being aware of the most common symptoms can help you recognize when to seek medical advice.
Key symptoms include:
- Abdominal or Back Pain: Many people experience dull or aching pain in the upper abdomen or middle/upper back. The pain may come and go and can sometimes be relieved by leaning forward.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice) is a common sign, especially if the tumor is in the head of the pancreas. Other related symptoms include dark urine, pale or greasy stools, and itchy skin.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying is common; this may be due to loss of appetite or poor digestion caused by the tumor.
- Loss of Appetite: Many patients notice a reduced desire to eat, which can contribute to weight loss.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak is a frequent symptom, even when there is no obvious reason.
- Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, as well as changes in stool appearance (such as pale, floating, or foul-smelling stools), can occur.
- New-Onset Diabetes: In some cases, pancreatic cancer can lead to new diabetes or make existing diabetes harder to control.
If you or someone you care for experiences any of these symptoms—especially if they are persistent or worsening—please consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Getting a Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, they may recommend several tests, including:
- Imaging scans: CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound to visualize the pancreas and surrounding areas7.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat to get a close-up view of the pancreas. A biopsy can be taken during this procedure7.
- Blood tests: To check for tumor markers like CA 19-9, which can help in diagnosis and monitoring7.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken for lab testing to confirm the diagnosis7.
Once diagnosed, your care team will determine the cancer’s stage to guide treatment planning5.
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is staged using the TNM system, which describes the size of the tumor (T), whether it has spread to lymph nodes (N), and whether it has spread to distant organs (M)235.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Abnormal cells are present, but not cancer yet (carcinoma in situ) |
| I | Cancer is only in the pancreas |
| II | Cancer has grown outside the pancreas or to nearby lymph nodes |
| III | Cancer is in major blood vessels or nerves near the pancreas, or to more lymph nodes |
| IV | Cancer has spread to distant organs (metastasized) |
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your preferences. Here are some of the most promising treatments and approaches:
- Surgery: If the cancer is found early, surgery to remove the tumor may be possible. This is called a resection57.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Often used before or after surgery, or when surgery isn’t possible7.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes combined with chemotherapy7.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Newer treatments that target specific changes in cancer cells or help your immune system fight cancer. These are often available through clinical trials7.
- Palliative care: Specialized medical care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients and their families7.
Clinical Trials and Hope for the Future
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments. They offer access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be available otherwise. Many patients find hope and benefit from participating in clinical trials, which are essential for advancing pancreatic cancer care7.
To learn about current clinical trials, visit Clinical Trials website ( a government-run website).
Support for Patients and Caregivers
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Here are some ways to find support:
- Connect with support groups: Share experiences and advice with others who understand your journey67.
- Seek counseling: Professional support can help manage the emotional impact of cancer7.
- Lean on loved ones: Family and friends can provide practical and emotional support7.
Burt R., Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (PNET) & Kidney Cancer
Symptom: None; found the cancers during CAT scans for internal bleeding due to ulcers
Treatments: Chemotherapy (capecitabine + temozolomide), surgery (distal pancreatectomy, to be scheduled)
Roger R., Pancreatic Cancer, Stage 2
Symptoms: None
Treatments: 5FU (folfirinox), Gemzar, NK cell expansion therapy, Dendritic cell expansion therapy, Neoantigen peptide vaccine
Matthew R., Pancreatic Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Dark urine, bone white stool, itching on palms and soles
Treatments: Chemotherapy, surgery
Chris P., Pancreatic Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Significant weight loss, stomach and digestive problems
Treatment: Chemotherapy
Jessica B., Pancreatic Cancer, Stage 1B
Initial Symptoms: Upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Treatment: Surgery (Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure))
You Are Not Alone
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging diagnosis, but advances in treatment and research are bringing new hope every day. Knowledge is power—educate yourself, ask questions, and explore all your options. Together, we can face this journey with courage and hope.