Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Although it is less common than some other cancers, it is one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose early.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas has 2 important roles: it produces enzymes that help digest food and also produces many hormones, such as insulin, that help control blood sugar levels amongst other functions.
Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year. Because symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions, many people are diagnosed at a later stage.
At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists provide expert assessment, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment advice for people with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic metastases.
More information
There are 2 main categories of pancreatic cancer:
Primary pancreatic cancer
Primary pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas itself.
The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which develops in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas into the small intestine.
Less common types include:
pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
acinar cell carcinoma
pancreatoblastoma
cystic pancreatic cancers
Secondary pancreatic cancer (pancreatic metastases)
Secondary pancreatic cancer, also known as pancreatic metastases, occurs when cancer starts elsewhere in the body and spreads to the pancreas.
Pancreatic metastases are uncommon compared with metastases in organs such as the liver or lungs, but they can occur.
Cancers that may spread to the pancreas include:
melanoma
ovarian cancer
Treatment for pancreatic metastases depends on the original cancer type, the extent of spread, and a person's overall health.
At Welbeck, our specialists work closely with colleagues across multiple specialties to provide coordinated care and treatment planning.
The pancreas sits deep within the abdomen, which means pancreatic cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages.
When symptoms do develop, they may include:
pain in the upper abdomen
pain that spreads to the back
unexplained weight loss
jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eye)
jaundice may be accompanied by dark urine, pale stools, and itching
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
fatigue
weakness
indigestion that does not improve
changes in bowel habits
pale, greasy stools that are difficult to flush
new-onset diabetes, particularly in older adults
As the cancer progresses, additional symptoms may develop, including:
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
dark urine
itchy skin
pale stools
abdominal swelling
blood clots
Symptoms of pancreatic metastases can vary depending on the original cancer and the extent of disease.
Symptoms may include:
abdominal pain
back pain
unexplained weight loss
fatigue
loss of appetite
jaundice
nausea
digestive problems
These symptoms can occur in many different conditions, so it’s important to seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.
Pancreatic cancer develops when genetic changes occur within pancreatic cells, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably.
In most cases, it’s not possible to identify a single cause. However, several factors are known to increase the risk.
Common risk factors include:
increasing age
smoking
obesity
type 2 diabetes
chronic pancreatitis
excessive alcohol consumption over many years
family history of pancreatic cancer
certain inherited genetic conditions
certain type of pancreatic cysts
exposure to some workplace chemicals
Inherited risk factors
A small proportion of pancreatic cancers are linked to inherited genetic conditions.
These include:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
Lynch syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome
hereditary pancreatitis
Having a family history of pancreatic cancer does not mean you will develop the disease, but it may increase your risk.
Risk factors for pancreatic metastases
Pancreatic metastases occur when cancer cells spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
The risk depends largely on:
the type of primary cancer
the stage of the original cancer
how aggressive the cancer is
whether treatment has controlled the original tumour
If you have symptoms that may suggest pancreatic cancer, your Welbeck consultant will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and any family history of cancer.
They may also perform a physical examination to check for signs such as jaundice, abdominal tenderness, or weight loss.
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer often requires several investigations.
Tests may include:
blood tests, including liver function tests
tumour marker blood tests, such as CA 19-9
endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
PET-CT scan in selected cases
biopsy
Some people may receive a diagnosis following imaging alone, while others require tissue samples to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Diagnosing pancreatic metastases
If pancreatic metastases are suspected, your consultant may also investigate the original cancer site if it has not already been identified.
Additional tests may include:
diagnostic laparoscopy
specialist tumour marker blood tests
further imaging studies
Following diagnosis, your specialist will determine the stage of the cancer to help guide treatment planning.
It’s not always possible to prevent pancreatic cancer. However, some steps may help reduce your risk.
These include:
avoiding smoking
maintaining a healthy weight
limiting alcohol consumption
managing diabetes effectively
eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables
staying physically active
seeking treatment for chronic pancreatitis where appropriate
Unfortunately, pancreatic metastases cannot always be prevented because they depend on the behaviour of the original cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of primary cancers may help reduce the risk of spread.
Without treatment, pancreatic cancer can affect digestion, blood sugar control, and other important bodily functions.
Potential complications include:
jaundice
bowel obstruction
blockage of the bile duct
severe weight loss
malnutrition
blood clots
chronic pain
infection
spread of cancer to other parts of the body
Pancreatic metastases can also cause complications depending on the extent of disease and the organs involved.
While these complications can sound concerning, advances in diagnosis, surgery, systemic therapies, and supportive care mean many people can achieve improved symptom control and quality of life with specialist treatment.
While we do not currently offer cancer treatment at Welbeck, your diagnosing consultant will ensure that you’re referred to the correct teams so that the next steps can be started as quickly as possible.
Treatment depends on:
the type of pancreatic cancer
the size and location of the tumour
whether the cancer has spread
your overall health
your treatment goals and preferences
Treatment options may include:
active surveillance in highly selected cases (usually cysts)
surgery to remove the tumour which may be one of these
Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
distal pancreatectomy
total pancreatectomy
chemotherapy
radiotherapy
chemoradiotherapy
targeted therapies
immunotherapy in highly selected patients
endoscopic stenting to relieve bile duct obstruction
pain management and supportive care
palliative care
Treatment options for pancreatic metastases
Treatment for pancreatic metastases is often different from treatment for primary pancreatic cancer.
Options may include:
surgery in highly selected patients
chemotherapy
targeted therapies
immunotherapy
radiotherapy
treatment directed at the original cancer
symptom management and supportive care
Many patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.
At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation.
We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Sometimes. Pancreatic cancer may be detected incidentally during scans performed for other reasons. People with a strong family history or certain inherited genetic conditions may also be offered surveillance programmes to monitor for early signs of disease.
No. Back pain is extremely common and is usually caused by musculoskeletal problems. However, persistent back pain that occurs alongside symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or digestive problems should be assessed by a doctor.
Yes. In some people, pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production and lead to new-onset diabetes. Occasionally, the development of diabetes may be one of the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer.
Primary pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas itself. Pancreatic metastases occur when cancer begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the pancreas. This distinction is important because treatment is usually based on where the cancer originally developed.