Glossary & Terms
Understanding medical terms can make the treatment journey less overwhelming. Plain-language explanations of important terms, plus the basics of types, stages, surgery and symptoms — and where to go next.
Glossary of key terms
Types of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can start in the exocrine cells, which make digestive juices, or in the endocrine cells, which make hormones. About 95% of pancreatic cancers begin in exocrine cells, and the most common type, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), makes up about 90% of cases. Cancers that form in endocrine cells are called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or islet cell tumors. They are much less common and are treated differently.
SourceNational Cancer Institute — What is pancreatic cancer? →Stages of pancreatic cancer
Doctors also group pancreatic cancer by whether surgery can remove it: resectable (it can be completely removed), borderline resectable (it has grown into a major blood vessel or nearby tissue) and unresectable (locally advanced or metastatic cancer that cannot be removed with surgery).
SourceNational Cancer Institute — Pancreatic cancer stages →Surgical options
Surgery gives the best chance of long-term survival when it can completely remove the tumor, but pancreatic cancer is often found after that is possible. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits with you.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer usually has no early signs, which makes it hard to find early; symptoms often begin after the cancer has spread. As it grows, it can cause:
Questions to ask your doctor
Walking in with written questions helps you get the most from every appointment. Sky Doctor Questions gathers the questions patients told us they wished they had asked — 112 questions across 10 specialists — ready to print by doctor or all at once.
Sky FoundationBrowse Sky Doctor Questions →Where can I find clinical trials?
Sky Foundation recommends TriCan Health, which matches your diagnosis to open trials and lets you filter by location, stage of cancer, type of treatment and enrollment status.
SourceBrowse trials on TriCan Health →Key takeaway
A strong understanding of terms and treatment basics helps patients and caregivers feel informed and prepared. Asking questions, keeping notes and using trusted resources will empower you to play an active role in your care plan.
Glossary & Terms
Understanding medical terms can make the treatment journey less overwhelming. Plain-language explanations of important terms, plus the basics of types, stages, surgery and symptoms — and where to go next.
Glossary of key terms
Types of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can start in the exocrine cells, which make digestive juices, or in the endocrine cells, which make hormones. About 95% of pancreatic cancers begin in exocrine cells, and the most common type, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), makes up about 90% of cases. Cancers that form in endocrine cells are called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or islet cell tumors. They are much less common and are treated differently.
Stages of pancreatic cancer
Doctors also group pancreatic cancer by whether surgery can remove it: resectable (it can be completely removed), borderline resectable (it has grown into a major blood vessel or nearby tissue) and unresectable (locally advanced or metastatic cancer that cannot be removed with surgery).
Surgical options
Surgery gives the best chance of long-term survival when it can completely remove the tumor, but pancreatic cancer is often found after that is possible. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits with you.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer usually has no early signs, which makes it hard to find early; symptoms often begin after the cancer has spread. As it grows, it can cause:
Questions to ask your doctor
Walking in with written questions helps you get the most from every appointment. Sky Doctor Questions gathers the questions patients told us they wished they had asked — 112 questions across 10 specialists — ready to print by doctor or all at once.
Where can I find clinical trials?
Sky Foundation recommends TriCan Health, which matches your diagnosis to open trials and lets you filter by location, stage of cancer, type of treatment and enrollment status.
Key takeaway
A strong understanding of terms and treatment basics helps patients and caregivers feel informed and prepared. Asking questions, keeping notes and using trusted resources will empower you to play an active role in your care plan.