Pancreatic cancer

Updated: 2024-10-09

Overview

Pancreatic cancer begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help manage blood sugar. This cancer spreads rapidly and often has a poor prognosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms include belly pain that spreads to the sides and the back, loss of appetite and feeling very tired. There might also be yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Other symptoms include blood clots and a new diagnosis of diabetes.

Treatments

Treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.