| Pancreatic Cancer |
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Pancreatic
cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the
pancreas. The pancreas is a gland about 6 inches long that is shaped like a thin pear lying
on its side. The wider end of the pancreas is called the head, the middle section is
called the body, and the narrow end is called the tail. The pancreas lies behind the
stomach and in front of the spine. |
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The pancreas has two main jobs in the
body:
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To produce
juices that help digest (break down) food.
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To produce hormones, such as insulin and
glucagons, that help control blood sugar levels.
Both of these hormones help the body use
and store the energy it gets from food. The digestive juices are produced by exocrine
pancreas cells and the hormones are produced by endocrine pancreas cells.
About 95% of
pancreatic cancers begin in exocrine cells. Smoking and health history can affect the risk
of developing pancreatic cancer. Possible signs of pancreatic cancer include jaundice,
pain, and weight loss. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect (find) and diagnose
early.
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