Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic carcinoma can originate from both the endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas. The exocrine pancreatic tumors are much more abundant.

Most people are affected between the ages between 60 and 80 years. If a tumor of the exocrine pancreas part is present, this can lead to a closure of the bile duct and thus to a cholestasis. When the endocrine pancreas is affected, insulinomas, gastrinomas and glucagonomas form. Pancreatic carcinoma is usually poorly prognosticated as it is often discovered too late due to initial symptomlessness, and surrounding organs such as the stomach, liver, duodenum, and spleen are very frequently involved. Remote metastases to the lungs and bones are also possible.