Pancreatic Cancer

Although the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing it, including:

• Chronic pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
• Diabetes
• Family history of genetic syndromes that can increase cancer risk
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Increasing age

In most cases, pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas grow out of control, which is called pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It can also form in the hormone-producing (neuroendocrine) cells of the pancreas, which is called a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor — although this type is much more rare.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
• Appetite loss or unintended weight loss
• Depression
• Onset of diabetes
• Blood clots
• Fatigue
• Yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than pancreatic cancer. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

If your doctor suspects pancreatic cancer, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

• Imaging tests – including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – uses a thin, flexible tube to pass an ultrasound device down your esophagus and into your stomach in order to obtain images of your abdomen. A biopsy may also be taken at this time so a tissue sample can be analyzed more closely under a microscope.
• Blood tests – used to look for tumor markers that signal pancreatic cancer, such as elevated CA19-9

Your care team works together to offer patients the most advanced pancreatic cancer treatment options and our surgeons have expertise performing even the most complex procedures needed to treat pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about how our experts treat pancreatic cancer >