Types of pancreatic cancer

Cancer can occur in any part of the pancreas, but up to 8 out of 10 (80%) start in the head of the pancreas.

There are several different types of pancreatic cancer. The most common type is ductal adenocarcinoma, which starts from cells in the lining of the pancreatic ducts.

Other rare tumours of the pancreas include:

• cystic tumours - these are fluid-filled sacs in the pancreas, some of which are cancerous
• acinar cell carcinomas, which start from the cells that make pancreatic juice
• neuroendocrine tumours, which begin in the endocrine cells where insulin and other hormones are made
• lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic tissue in the pancreas.

The treatments for cancerous cystic tumours and acinar cell carcinomas are similar to treatments for adenocarcinoma|. But the tests and treatments for neuroendocrine tumours and lymphoma of the pancreas may be very different.

Our cancer support specialists| can give you more information about the different types of pancreatic cancer.