Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
To diagnose pancreatic cancer your doctor may have blood or other lab tests ordered. Learn more about some other tests that may be used.
Pancreatic Cancer
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:
- Exocrine pancreatic cancer. This type of pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic juices. The information provided on this page will focus on this type of pancreatic cancer.
- Endocrine pancreatic cancer or islet cell cancer. This is a type of pancreatic cancer that begins in the cells that make hormones. This form of pancreatic cancer is much less common, and only accounts for about 2% of all pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Each year in the United States, more than 60,000 people are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Most are over 65 years old, with the average age of diagnosis being 70 years of age.
Pancreatic Cancer Stages
If cancer of the pancreas is diagnosed, your doctor needs to learn the extent (stage) of the disease to help you choose the best treatment.
Treatment Types for Pancreatic Cancer
Treatment options for people with pancreatic cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
