What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of cancer in which the cancer cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is an important organ of our digestive system. The organ is 6 inch long in shape and is in the form of a pear which lies at the back of the stomach.

This organ is surrounded by other digestive organs like the liver, the gall bladder and the small intestine. The main function of the pancreas is in the production of the digestive juices which helps in the break down of the food. It manufactures the hormones that are responsible for the storage of food and usage of food in the body.

Pancreatic cancer is nothing but an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. The pancreas is an exocrine and endocrine gland. The pancreas is responsible for the release and secretions into the ducts and the blood streams. The majority of cells in the pancreas are exocrine.

Approximately 95% produces pancreatic juices that contain the important enzyme which is responsible for the breakage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The other small cluster of cells the endocrines are known as the islets of langerhans. They release the hormone insulin and glucagons needed for controlling the blood sugar.

It has been found that cancer of exocrine pancreas is more. In Aden carcinoma the duct beginning gets affected and with the progress the tumor may affect the surrounding organs too. Only 5% of tumors originate in the endocrine pancreas.

It has been found that pancreatic cancer accounts for 2-3 % of cancer and the 4th cause of cancer deaths. The cancer of pancreas is fatal. With increase in age the chances of pancreatic cancer increases. And most of the cases are among people 60 yrs and above. The males are more vulnerable to this type of cancer.