Stages, types and grades of pancreatic cancer
Cancer can start in the head, body or tail of the pancreas. The wide end of the pancreas is called the head. The thin end is called the tail. The bit in the middle is called the body.
Between 60 and 70 out of 100 pancreatic cancers (between 60 to 70%) start in the head of the pancreas.
Most pancreatic cancers are the exocrine type. This means that they start in cells that produce pancreatic digestive juices.
More than 80 out of 100 exocrine pancreatic cancers (more than 80%) are adenocarcinomas. Nearly all of these are ductal adenocarcinomas. They start in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas.
The acinar cells are at the ends of the ducts that produce pancreatic juices. These tumours are generally diagnosed in people at a younger age than adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer is slower growing. They also tend to have a better outlook (prognosis) than adenocarcinomas.
Cystic tumours cause a cyst or fluid filled sac in the pancreas. Most pancreatic cysts are not cancerous (they are benign). Some cystic tumours can turn into cancerous (malignant) tumours.
There are different types of cystic tumours, including:
mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN)
intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN)
pancreatic intraepithelial lesions (PanIN)
solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN)
Generally, you may have surgery to remove these types of tumours. Or you may have regular tests to monitor them (surveillance).
Cystic cancers can have a better outlook (prognosis) than other types of exocrine pancreatic cancer.
Endocrine tumours are uncommon. They start in the endocrine pancreas. This is where insulin and other hormones are made and released into the bloodstream. They are also called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETS) or islet cell tumours.
Find out about neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas
There are other rare types of cancer of the pancreas. They are treated differently to the more common types of pancreatic cancer.
These very rare tumours mainly occur in children. They are sometimes linked with rare genetic conditions. This includes Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
These are cancers of the connective tissue that hold together the cells of the pancreas. They are extremely rare.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. As the lymphatic system runs throughout the body, these tumours can develop in any part of the body.
Last reviewed: 01 Feb 2023
Next review due: 01 Feb 2026
Stage means the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Type means the type of cell it started from. Grade means how abnormal the cells look. Knowing this information helps doctors decide about treatment.
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the tummy or back, yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice), changes to your poo (stool) and weight loss. Find out about others symptoms.
Most people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after they become unwell and go to A&E. Others start by seeing their GP. Find out what to expect when you see a GP and tests you might have.
Your treatment depends on the position of the cancer in the pancreas, how big it is, the type of pancreatic cancer it is, whether it has spread, if they can remove it with surgery and your general health.
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Find out about symptoms, tests you might have to diagnose it, treatment and about living with it.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
