Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells grow out of control within the pancreas. 95% of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors because they begin in the exocrine cells that produce enzymes to aid in digestion. The following table describes the different types of pancreatic exocrine tumors.
| Types |
Description |
| Acinar Cell Carcinoma |
Acinar cell carcinoma is a very rare form of pancreatic cancer that may cause excessive production of pancreatic lipase, the enzyme secreted to digest fats and oils. Pancreatic lipase levels can be measured in the blood. |
| Adenocarcinoma |
Adenocarcinoma accounts for 75% of all pancreas cancers and arises from cells lining the pancreatic duct. Adenocarcinomas may form glands, or a collection of cells surrounding an empty space. |
| Adenosquamous Carcinoma |
Adenosquamous carcinoma is similar to adenocarcinoma in that it forms glands, but it flattens as it grows. It can mimic other types of cancer that show squamous, or flattened, cell development. |
| Giant Cell Tumor |
Giant cell tumors are extremely rare and may not be as aggressive as adenocarcinoma. A giant cell tumor has unusually large cells, but the tumor itself is not any larger than other pancreatic cancers. |
| Intraductal Papillary-Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) |
An IPMN grows from the main pancreatic duct or from side branches of the duct. The tumor may appear as a finger-like, or papillary, projection into the duct. An IPMN may be benign at the time of diagnosis, but has a high risk of progressing to malignancy and can therefore be a precursor for adenocarcinoma. |
| Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma |
Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare, malignant, cystic, mucin-containing tumor. It is similar to an IPMN, but occurs in just one area of the pancreas. The space within the spongy tumor is filled with a thick fluid called mucin. |
| Pancreatoblastoma |
Pancreatoblastoma is a rare form of pancreatic cancer found primarily in children under the age of 10. It is often called “pancreatic cancer of infancy”. |
| Serous
Cystadenocarcinoma |
Serous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare, cystic, fluid-containing tumor with a sponge-like appearance. It can grow to be quite large and is almost always benign, meaning it does not invade other parts of the body. |
| Solid and Pseudopapillary Tumors |
Solid and pseudopapillary tumors can arise anywhere in the pancreas. Some parts of the tumor are solid, while other parts are papillary. These tumors are primarily found in women in their 30’s and are usually cured if completely removed with surgery. |
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