![Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/what-is-middle-back-pain-a-symptom-of.jpg?output-quality=75)
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the healthy pancreatic cells grow out of control, forming a tumor.
Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly and has a poor prognosis because it is often detected late, there are no symptoms until it has spread to other organs.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are
- Dull pain in the upper abdomen and/or middle or upper back, which is probably caused by the tumor irritating the nerves in that area or pressing on the spine.
- The back pain with pancreatic cancer may initially come and go, but it is aggravated during eating.
- The pain eventually becomes persistent. The back pain caused by pancreatic cancer can be temporarily relieved by bending over unlike a typical back pain caused by sore muscles and other muscle or spine injuries.
- The abdominal and back pain (muscular origin) is typically not related to activity or any food. Hence, new onset of back pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Stages of pancreatic cancer
After diagnosis, staging of cancer is made based on the spread of cancer
- Stage I: Tumor exists only in the pancreas.
- Stage II: Tumor has spread to nearby abdominal tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to major blood vessels and lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Metastasis of cancer. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
What is the survival rate for pancreatic cancer?
Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer increase the chances of recovery.
The five-year survival rate is about
- 34 percent if cancer is limited to the pancreas.
- 12 percent if cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- 3 percent if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
What are the types of pancreatic cancer?
There are two types of pancreatic cancers.
- Exocrine pancreatic cancers: They develop in the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which secrete pancreatic enzymes that aid digestion. These are the most common type of pancreatic cancer (95 percent) and affect the exocrine functions of the pancreas.
- Endocrine pancreatic cancers: They are also called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) or islet cell tumors. They develop in the endocrine cells of the pancreas that produce hormones that regulate metabolism and blood sugar. They are less common (5 percent) and affect the endocrine functions of the pancreas.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/human-body/human-body-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerWhat causes pancreatic cancer?
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas develop changes (mutations) in their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The mutated abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, take over the growth of healthy cells and eventually forming a tumor. They erose the pancreas and spread to the nearby organs.
Risk factors of pancreatic cancer
Factors that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer include
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Diet high in red meat and fat
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Hereditary conditions, such as BRCA2 gene mutation, Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Aged older than 60 years
- Male gender
- Exposure to pesticides, dyes and chemicals used in metal refining
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Infection of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori
- Gingivitis
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Symptoms are not caused in the early stages. Later stage symptoms include
- Abdominal or back pain
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
- Recent-onset diabetes or diabetes that is difficult to control
- Blood clots
- Weakness and fatigue
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed using the following tests and procedures.
- Family and medical history
- Physical examination
- Blood chemistry test
- Urine test
- Stool test
- Tumor marker test to check the presence of the tumor marker, CA 19-9
- Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans
- Abdominal or endoscopic ultrasound helps generate pictures of the pancreas
- Laparoscopy helps assess the spread of cancer
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) uses a dye to highlight pancreatic bile ducts and X-rays are taken
- Biopsy (sample tissue from the tumor is examined under a microscope)
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Treatment option depends on the type, size, location and stage of cancer, as well as the age and individual preference of the patient. The treatment options for pancreatic cancer are
- Surgery: Surgery may be performed in the early stage when the cancer is limited to the pancreas.
- Radiation therapy: X-rays and other high-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Cancer-killing drugs are used to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth.
- Targeted therapy: Uses drugs to target specific abnormalities in cancer cells and destroy them.
How can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
The risk of pancreatic cancer could be reduced by
- Quitting or avoiding smoking
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Exercising
- Consuming more vegetables, fruit and whole grains
- Consuming less red meat
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top Is Back Pain Constant With Pancreatic Cancer? Related Articles
acetaminophen/aspirin
Acetaminophen/aspirin is a combination medication available over the counter (OTC), used for the temporary relief of minor pain caused by headaches, muscular aches, fever, minor arthritis pain, and colds. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever (analgesic) and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Common side effects of acetaminophen include hives (urticaria), itchy rash, toxicity to the liver (hepatotoxicity), blood disorders, and others. Common side effects of aspirin include rash, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and others. Do not take if pregnant.16 Back Pain Truths and Myths
Back pain conditions are very common. Learn the causes of upper and lower back pain. Find the truth and get the facts behind back pain myths, remedies, causes and treatment.Back Pain Quiz
There are numerous causes of chronic lower back pain and only one ailment gets more complaints. What is it? Quiz your knowledge of symptoms, treatments, problems, and reasons for common back pain.Bed Bugs Slideshow
What does a bedbug look like? Learn to ID bedbugs and bedbug bites. Get tips on how to prevent, treat, and get rid of bedbugs.digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes are natural substances that help the digestive system break down food. Taken as a supplement, digestive enzymes may be used to treat adults and children with pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatectomy (removal of all or part of the pancreas), or pancreatic cancer. Common side effects of digestive enzymes include headache, neck pain, dizziness, abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), indigestion, abnormal stools, and others. Do not take if you have acute pancreatitis.Digestive Enzymes Oral
Oral digestive enzymes are found in the digestive tract, are naturally produced by the body, and help breakdown the foods we eat. The pancreas makes and secretes digestive enzymes. Prescription and OTC digestive enzymes are available in PEPs or pancreatic enzyme products. PEPs are prescribed for people with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or tumors, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, or removal of part or all of the pancreas. Side effects include life-threatening allergic reactions, difficulty breathing or talking, swelling of the mouth/face/lips/tongue/throat, chest tightness, rash or hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; wheezing.fluorouracil
Fluorouracil (5-FU) injection is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of some cancers including gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancers in adults. Common side effects of fluorouracil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite (anorexia), oral inflammation (stomatitis), inflammation of the throat and esophagus (esophagopharyngitis), reduced blood flow to the intestinal region (mesenteric ischemia), gastrointestinal (GI) tissue sloughing, GI ulcer, GI hemorrhage, plaque buildup in coronary arteries (coronary arteriosclerosis), chest pain associated with coronary artery disease (angina pectoris), irregular heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia), and others.ibrutinib
Ibrutinib is a novel targeted therapy for certain cancers of white blood cells (Mantle cell lymphoma [MCL], chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL]/small lymphocytic lymphoma [SLL], Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia [WM], marginal zone lymphoma [MZL]) in adults and is also used for the treatment of chronic graft versus host disease in adult and pediatric patients. Ibrutinib can cause fetal harm. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Common side effects of ibrutinib include major hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, postprocedural hemorrhage, blood in urine (hematuria), bruising, round pin-point spots on skin from bleeding (petechiae), blood disorders, and others.Low Back Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis. Find out about pain relief treatments like massage, yoga, stretching, exercises for back pain, and chiropractic medicine. See when surgery for back pain makes sense.lycopene
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges the free radicals. Used as a supplement, lycopene may prevent the growth of cancer cells. Lycopene may slow down blood clotting. Exercise caution with lycopene supplements if you are taking blood thinners. The side effects of lycopene include skin rashes (rare). Lycopene is considered nontoxic and is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects. Small amounts of lycopene in food is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.tizanidine
Tizanidine is a medication used in the management of muscle spasticity, a condition with high muscle tone and stiffness that leads to pain and impaired mobility. Tizanidine is used to treat chronic neck and/or lower back pain, chronic migraine headaches, rebound headaches, regional musculoskeletal pain syndromes, and refractory insomnia in spastic quadriplegic patients. Common side effects of tizanidine include drowsiness (somnolence), dry mouth (xerostomia), weakness or/and fatigue (asthenia), dizziness, slow heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), urinary tract infection, infections, constipation, liver injury, and elevated liver enzymes.