Understanding the Different Types of Pancreatic Cancer & Treatments

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, a glandular organ that plays a vital role in the digestive system and the production of hormones. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and it is projected to be the second by 2030.

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of people each year. It is a difficult cancer to diagnose and treat, with a low survival rate. One of the challenges of treating this disease is the different types of pancreatic cancer that exist. In this comprehensive guide, let us discuss the different types of pancreatic cancer and their treatment options.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

• Exocrine pancreatic cancer
• Endocrine pancreatic cancer
• Cystic pancreatic neoplasms

1. Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer

Exocrine pancreatic cancer is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It begins in the cells that produce digestive enzymes in the pancreas. There are four main subtypes of exocrine pancreatic cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, giant cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of exocrine pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It begins in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. Squamous cell carcinoma is a less common subtype that begins in the cells that make up the outer layer of the pancreas. Giant cell carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma are rare subtypes of exocrine pancreatic cancer.

The treatment options for exocrine pancreatic cancer depend on the stage and location of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment option for early-stage exocrine pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, either alone or in combination with surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.

2. Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer

Endocrine pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), is a less common type of pancreatic cancer. It begins in the cells that produce hormones in the pancreas. There are several subtypes of endocrine pancreatic cancer, including insulinomas, glucagonomas, gastrinomas, somatostatinomas, and VIPomas.

• Insulinomas are the most common subtype of endocrine pancreatic cancer. They begin in the cells that produce insulin and can cause symptoms such as hypoglycemia. 
• Glucagonomas begin in the cells that produce glucagon and can cause symptoms such as hyperglycemia. 
• Gastrinomas begin in the cells that produce gastrin and can cause symptoms such as stomach ulcers. 
• Somatostatinomas begin in the cells that produce somatostatin and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea. 
• VIPomas begin in the cells that produce Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and can cause symptoms such as watery diarrhea.

The treatment options for endocrine pancreatic cancer depend on the subtype and stage of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment option for early-stage endocrine pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy may also be used, either alone or in combination with surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.

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3. Cystic Pancreatic Neoplasms

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms are a group of tumors that are found in the pancreas and are filled with fluid. They are less common than exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cancer. There are several subtypes of cystic pancreatic neoplasms, including serous cystic neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms.

• Serous cystic neoplasms are the most common subtype of cystic pancreatic neoplasms. They are usually small and do not cause symptoms. 
• Mucinous cystic neoplasms are less common but have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. 
• Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are cystic tumors that grow in the ducts of the pancreas and can become cancerous. 
• Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are rare and typically occur in young women. They are slow-growing tumors that may become cancerous.

The treatment options for cystic pancreatic neoplasms depend on the subtype and size of the tumor. Small, asymptomatic cystic neoplasms may not require treatment and may be monitored with periodic imaging. Surgery may be recommended for larger cystic neoplasms or those that are at high risk of becoming cancerous. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, either alone or in combination with surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment option for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used, either alone or in combination with surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy: This is a type of pancreatic cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to shrink tumors before surgery or to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

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• Radiation Therapy: This is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Radiation therapy may also be used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: This is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It is a relatively new treatment option for pancreatic cancer and is currently being studied in clinical trials.

In conclusion, pancreatic cancer is a complex and difficult disease to treat. Understanding the different types of pancreatic cancer and their treatment options is crucial for patients and their families. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to improving the chances of survival. It is important to work closely with a healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient.