Pancreatic Cancer – The Symptoms and Causes
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and pancreatic cancer occurs when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in the pancreas. Rather than developing into healthy, normal pancreas tissue, these abnormal cells continue dividing and form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors.
Cancers that develop within the pancreas fall into two major categories: (1) cancers of the endocrine pancreas (the part that makes insulin) are called “islet cell” or “pancreatic neuroendocrine” cancers and (2) cancers of the exocrine pancreas (the part that makes enzymes). Islet cell cancers are rare and typically grow slowly compared to exocrine pancreatic cancers. Islet cell tumors often release hormones into the bloodstream and are further characterized by the hormones they produce (insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and other hormones). Cancers of the exocrine pancreas develop from the cells that line the system of ducts that deliver enzymes to the small intestine and are called commonly referred to as pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas comprises 95% of all pancreatic ductal cancers and is the subject of this review.
Cells that line the ducts in the exocrine pancreas divide more rapidly than the tissues that surround them. When an abnormal ductal cell begins to divide in an unregulated way, a growth can form. More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when the cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph systems. In the United States each year, over 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
How Is Pancreatic Cancer Classified?
Pancreatic cancer is categorized depending on whether it affects the exocrine or endocrine functions of the pancreas. Tumors that affect the exocrine functions are the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Sometimes these tumors or cysts are benign, called cystadenomas. However, it is more likely to find malignant tumors called adenocarcinomas, which account for 95% of exocrine pancreatic cancers.
Tumors that affect the endocrine functions of the pancreas are called neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors, but these are fairly uncommon. These tumors are named for the type of hormone-producing cell that is initially affected. Functioning islet cell tumors still make hormones, while non-functioning ones do not. Most of these tumors are benign, but non-functioning tumors are more likely to be malignant, islet cell carcinomas.
How Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Prevented?
There are no established guidelines or recommendations for preventing pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. There is no evidence, however, that following these dietary guidelines will prevent or reduce pancreatic cancer. Some studies suggest that certain vitamins can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Vitamin D has been associated with reducing the risk of several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
