Conditions We Treat

Ductal adenocarcinomas are by far the most common type of pancreatic cancer, representing about 95 percent of cancers of the exocrine pancreas. They usually develop in the ducts of the pancreas.

Acinar cell carcinomas are generally less aggressive than adenocarcinomas and are more often found in men. Long-term survival rates are better for patients with these tumors.

Papillary mucinous carcinomas can occur when a benign cyst (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) in the ducts of the pancreas becomes malignant.

Signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare and more aggressive variant of adenocarcinoma. It draws its name from the fact that its cells resemble a signet ring when viewed under a microscope.

Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare form of pancreatic cancer that is similar to adenocarcinoma, but is more aggressive.

Undifferentiated carcinoma is a rare subtype of exocrine pancreatic tumors. These aggressive tumors often reach advanced stages before they are diagnosed.

Small cell carcinoma is a rare condition that accounts for about 1 percent of pancreatic cancers. The aggressive cancer is often metastatic at the time of diagnosis.

Mixed type tumors are found in both the main and branch ducts of the pancreas.

Cystadenocarcinoma is a rare cancer representing that is a malignant type of cyst that can form in the pancreas.

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that occurs primarily by the age of 10. The disease has a relatively high cure rate, using surgery and chemotherapy.

Sarcoma of the pancreas is an extremely rare variant of a type of cancer that originates in connective tissue. Most sarcomas in the pancreas have spread from the abdomen.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an extremely rare tumor, accounting for less than half a percent of pancreatic cancers.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (Frantz tumor) is an uncommon tumor that primarily occurs in young women. The tumors are frequently benign and offer strong survival rates when they are malignant.

Pancreatic metastasis occurs when cancer originating in the pancreas spreads to other parts of the body. The spread often is to nearby organs and tissue, including the liver and lymph nodes.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are fluid-filled growths that form in the pancreas. Often, they are benign, but some are precancerous with the potential to become cancerous. There are several types, including:

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) form in the ducts connecting the pancreas to the intestines. They are the most common type of precancerous cyst.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are precancerous growths that form in the body or tail of the pancreas. They are most often found in women.

Serous cystadenomas (SCA) feature thick walls and are filled with clear liquid. They are almost always benign, but can cause pain, discomfort and jaundice.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are found in hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. These tumors can be functional and produce abnormally high amounts of hormones, or nonfunctional (the majority of them) and not produce any hormones. These represent less than 2 percent of pancreatic cancers and display variable biologic behavior, including these subtypes:

Gastrinomas are rare tumors that start in cells that produce gastrin, a substance that controls acid levels in your stomach and helps to digest food. They typically form in the head of the pancreas, near the duodenum.

Glucagonoma is a rare tumor that starts in islet cells, forcing them to produce too much glucagon, which helps your body control blood sugar levels. This can result in blood sugar levels that are too high.

Insulinoma is a rare tumor that affects pancreatic cells that produce insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. As a result, your body’s blood sugar levels may drop too low.

VIPomas are rare tumors that start in cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The hormone helps relax stomach and bowel muscles.

Somatostatinomas develop in cells that produce somatostatin, a hormone that regulates certain body functions by hindering the release of other hormones.

Periampullary neoplasms include a group of neoplasms that form in the tissues surrounding the ampulla of Vater or the point where your pancreatic duct and bile duct empty into the small intestine.

Neoplasms are tissue masses that grow abnormally or do not die when they should.

Bile duct cancer is a cancer that forms in bile ducts, the network of tubes that connect the liver, gallbladder and small intestine. The cancer is divided into two types – based on whether the tumor forms inside or outside the liver.

They include:

Distal cholangiocarcinoma is a subtype of bile duct cancer found in the bottom part of the common bile duct. The duct is formed by the liver and gallbladder before passing through the pancreas and into the small intestine.

Ampullary carcinoma is a cancer that forms in an area of the digestive system called the ampulla of Vater. This is the point where your pancreatic duct and bile duct empty into the small intestine.

Duodenal carcinoma is a cancer found in the first section of the small intestine (duodenum), which is located near your pancreas. Initially, there may be no symptoms. But as the tumor grows, it may cause nausea, constipation and abdominal cramps.

Ampullary adenomas are pre-cancerous lesions that form in the area of the duodenum where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct drain. Often, there are no symptoms.

Biliary tumors are found in the organs of the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder and bile ducts both inside and outside the liver. These tumors can be benign or malignant.

Gallbladder cancers are relatively rare cancers in the United States that are almost always adenocarcinomas – those that start in the glandular tissue that lines internal organs. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that stores bile, which helps your body digest fats.

Gallbladder polyps are growths on the inside lining of the organ. Most of them are benign and require no treatment, other than observation. If they become troublesome, gallbladder removal is the only treatment.

Your blood can be examined for tumor marker proteins (such as CA-19-9) that are shed by pancreatic cancer cells. Tests may also reveal the presence of substances that suggest a pancreatic tumor is hindering the work of the liver and other organs.

These tests help your doctor take a closer look at your pancreas and surrounding areas, generally in the least invasive ways possible. These painless options include computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create images of your internal organs.

Your doctor uses a thin flexible tube, mounted with a camera, to examine the first part of the small intestine and take a tissue sample for biopsy if warranted. The tube is inserted through the mouth.

A small piece of tissue is removed from the pancreas for examination under microscope. This step is usually needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.