Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas contains two different kinds of glands. Exocrine glands make up a vast majority of the cells in the pancreas, and a much smaller number of cells are endocrine cells. The cells of both types of glands can produce tumors, but they produce different types of tumors.
It is hard to detect pancreatic cancer early. By the time a person has symptoms such as back pain, weight loss, jaundice, or recent diagnosis of diabetes, the cancer is usually large and has spread to other organs. Because the pancreas is deep inside the body, the doctor cannot see or feel tumors during a routine physical exam.
To confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and its size and exact location, the doctor will perform imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, PET scan, ultrasound, angiography, and ERCP. There are several other tests, including blood tests, the doctor might use to learn more about a tumor, but the only way to know for sure if cancer is really present is with a biopsy.
The three main types of treatment for pancreatic cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, more than one of these treatments may be used.
An Introduction to the CA 19-9 Test in Pancreatic Cancer
The links below will take you to Web sites to which Cancer.com's Privacy Policy does not apply. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every Web site you visit. This key indicates additional features each site may offer:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 
Home to one of the country’s leading patient-based advocacy organizations; offers the latest information about diagnosis, treatment, surgery options, and clinical trials. Also features a unique program (Patient And Liaison Services; PALS) that gives survivors one-on-one, toll-free contact with trained, dedicated associates who help survivors better understand their options.
Pancreatica.org
Nonprofit foundation provides a host of resources including a counseling hotline, extensive database of news links, searchable registry for clinical trials, and how to get involved with the "Pancreatica Pacesetters" running team fundraisers in your area.
The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Research Center at Johns Hopkins University 
The Center at Johns Hopkins specializes in pancreatic cancer treatment, diagnosis, and symptom evaluation; provides general information about pancreatic cancer as well as trials, discoveries, and research.
MedlinePlus
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."
National Cancer Institute 
Government resource for clinical trials, tips on prevention, helpful tools for screening and testing, plus up-to-date statistics and research.
MayoClinic.com
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for newly diagnosed; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.
Georgetown University Hospital 
The Transplant Institute and International Center for Liver Diseases at Georgetown University Hospital is affiliated with the Georgetown Transplant Institute, a program that offers liver, kidney, kidney/pancreas, and pancreas transplants. Read about services available at the hospital; transplant information, intestinal care, physician locator, plus patient story videos.
