PANCREATIC CANCER

a disease characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas, a 15-cm- (6-inch-) long gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas is primarily made up of two different tissues with separate functions: the exocrine pancreas, which secretes enzymes into the digestive tract, aiding the breakdown of fats and proteins, and the endocrine pancreas, which secretes glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream to control blood sugar levels. Ninety-five percent of pancreatic cancers develop from the exocrine pancreas. The remaining 5 percent are often called neuroendocrine tumours or islet cell cancers; these develop from endocrine cells.