
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer in an individual is still being researched upon. However, the most important risk factor for pancreatic cancer is increasing age, with risk rising to 1 in 61 by the age of 85 years. Read more: What Is The Most Common Cause Of Pancreatic Cancer? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Learn about pancreatic cancer signs, symptoms, causes, statistics, treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, biological...
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Pancreatitis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
What does the pancreas do, and what happens in the body that causes pancreatitis? Test your medical IQ of pancreatitis with this...
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Picture of Pancreatic Cancer
An abdominal CT scan shows a small, vaguely seen 2-cm pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mass) causing obstruction of both the common...
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Picture of Pancreatic Cancer Tumor
This is a gross section of a malignant tumor of the pancreas resected from the pancreatic body and tail. See a picture of...
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Picture of Pancreas
Front View of the Pancreas. The pancreas is about 6 inches long and sits across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. See...
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Picture of Pancreas
A fish-shaped spongy grayish-pink organ about 6 inches (15 cm) long that stretches across the back of the abdomen, behind the...

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Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Pancreatic Cancer
Second Source article from Government
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause early symptoms. Typically, pancreatic cancer has metastasized (spread to adjacent organs, such as the liver) by the time most people receive a dignosis of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms and signs usually appear later in the course of the disease and include jaundice, back pain, nausea, weight loss, itching, and loss of appetite. Treatment depends upon the type of pancreatic cancer but may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
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Is Pancreatic Cancer the Most Painful?
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most painful types of cancer because it invades and presses on the nerves near the pancreas leading to pain in the back or abdomen. Pain seems to be the most distressing symptom in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Is Chemo Worth It for Pancreatic Cancer?
Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment for pancreatic cancer since it can sometimes shrink or slow the growth of cancer, prolonging one’s lifespan.
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What Lab Values Indicate Pancreatic Cancer?
Laboratory values can indicate pancreatic cancer, but they are not specific or sensitive for cancer of the pancreas. A laboratory blood test known as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is also used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The normal range of CA 19-9 is between 0 and 37 U/mL, but people with pancreatic cancer often have higher levels. As cancer progresses, CA 19-9 levels go on increasing.
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What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer in Women?
The symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer are usually common in both men and women. They are A general feeling of being unwell that lasts for more than a week or two and isn't related to an obvious cause, such as having the flu.
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Is Pancreatic Cancer Back Pain Constant?
Cancer of the the pancreas is called pancreatic cancer. Pain in the upper abdomen and back is commonly seen in those who have pancreatic cancer. The back pain is generally not constant.
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What Does Pancreatic Cancer Back Pain Feel Like?
Pancreatic cancer is hard to be recognized in its earlier stages as its signs and symptoms may resemble vague gastrointestinal complaints. Pain in the abdomen or back is its common symptom. It is mostly intermittent initially, that is, it comes and goes. But with time, it becomes more frequent.
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Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Detected by Blood Test?
Currently, there is no blood test to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. A doctor may suggest doing a blood tumor markers test for pancreatic cancer along with routine blood tests and radiological tests to confirm the diagnosis.
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Do Blood Tests Show Pancreatic Cancer?
Blood tests are often used in combination with other clinical assessments and tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer.
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Is Back Pain Constant With Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the healthy pancreatic cells grow out of control, forming a tumor.
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Is a Neuroendocrine Tumor the Same as Pancreatic Cancer?
Neuroendocrine tumors, which may be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer), may not always be pancreatic cancer, which is always malignant.
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Where Does Your Back Hurt With Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas which is an organ located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the normal cells mutate and grow out of control forming a tumor. Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly and has a poor prognosis because it is often detected late. One of the important symptoms of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain in the upper abdomen (near the solar plexus) and/or middle or upper back.
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How Does Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Affect the Body?
In its early stages, a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor may cause no symptoms. However, depending on the type and location of the tumor, symptoms may include the following.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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- What Are the Early Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
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- What Is the Success Rate of a Pancreas Transplant?
- What Are the Different Procedures That Constitute a Whipple Procedure?
- What Is a Longitudinal Pancreaticojejunostomy?
- How Is Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Diagnosed?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- Gallstones Can Warn of Pancreatic Cancer Risk
- Can a Stool Test Spot Pancreatic Cancer?
- Alex Trebek Dies at 80 From Pancreatic Cancer
- Blood Test Might Spot Pancreatic Cancer Early
- FDA Approves Drug for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
- Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Treated for Pancreatic Cancer
- New Treatments May Extend Pancreatic Cancer Survival
- Lutathera Approved for Some Gastro and Pancreatic Cancers
- New Test May Help Spot Pancreatic Cancer Early
- Blood Test for Pancreatic Cancer Shows Early Promise
- 4 Types of Pancreatic Cancer Identified: Study
- FDA Approves New Pancreatic Cancer Drug
- Diabetes Drug May Not Guard Against Pancreatic Cancer
- Scientists Detect Early Sign of Pancreatic Cancer
- Blood Test May Spot Pancreatic Cancer Earlier
- Study Sees No Evidence Linking Diabetes Drugs With Pancreatic Cancer
- Bile Protein May Help Detect Pancreatic Cancer
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