The type of cancer is based on the cell type and location of the tumor in the pancreas. More than 95% of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas of the exocrine pancreas.
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Adenocarcinoma - this is cancer of the exocrine cells that line the pancreatic ducts. The majority of pancreatic cancers are this type.
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Cystic Tumors - tumors that cause fluid filled sacs in the pancreas. Most are benign.
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Acinar Cell Cancers - tumors that form on the ends of the pancreatic ducts in the cells that produce enzymes.
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Sarcomas - tumors that form in the connective tissue that bonds together the pancreatic cells. This is very rare.
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Ampullary Cancers - cancer that develops in the ampulla of Vater (where pancreatic ducts and bile ducts merge).(1)
Learn more about the types of cancer
Most of the adenocarcinomas occur in the head of the pancreas (the section closest to the small intestine). This can interfere with the drainage of bile from the bile ducts coming from the liver and produce a yellowish coloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice). See the symptoms section for more details.
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