Pancreatic cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early disease usually causes few or nonspecific symptoms.

The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which arises from the cells lining the pancreatic ducts. Less common types include neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, which behave differently and are treated using different strategies.

At OncoClinic, we coordinate appropriate diagnostics and specialist review, provide clear explanations, and guide a personalized care plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and goals.

Signs and symptoms

• Abdominal pain or back pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Itching
• Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup, blood clots, and bowel obstruction

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Risk factors

• Age: Increasing age, most cases occur after age 60
• Family history: Of pancreatic cancer
• Genetic factors: Inherited genetic syndromes, including BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and Lynch syndrome
• Obesity:can lead to a higher risk of pacreatic cancer
• Chronic conditions: Chronic pancreatitis
• Diabetes: Especially new-onset diabetes in older adults
• Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption, mainly through its association with chronic pancreatitis
• Tobacco use: Cigarette smoking, one of the most important modifiable risk factors

Screening

There is no formal population-based screening program for pancreatic cancer. However, high-risk individuals, such as those with strong family history or known inherited genetic mutations, may benefit from genetic counseling and targeted surveillance programs, often using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and/or MRI.

Diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed after symptoms prompt medical evaluation or when imaging detects an abnormality.

Diagnostic evaluation typically includes:

• Imaging studies, such as a CT scan or an MRI of the abdomen
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), often used to obtain tissue samples
• Biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and determine tumor type
• Blood tests, including CA 19-9, which may help monitor disease, but are not used alone for diagnosis
• Molecular testing may be performed to identify genetic changes that can guide treatment

Staging

Once pancreatic cancer is confirmed, staging determines how far the cancer has spread and helps guide treatment decisions.

Staging evaluation may include:

• CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
• MRI or PET/CT in selected cases
• Endoscopic ultrasound to assess local tumor extent

Pancreatic cancer staging

Pancreatic cancer is staged from Stage I to Stage IV based on how far the cancer has spread, which also helps determine whether the tumor is resectable (operable), borderline resectable, or unresectable.

The stages are as follows:

• Stage I: Cancer confined to the pancreas
• Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
• Stage III: Cancer involves major blood vessels near the pancreas
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs

Treatment and procedures

At OncoClinic, pancreatic cancer care is delivered through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. Treatment plans are individualized based on stage, tumor characteristics, and overall health.

Surgery: Surgery offers the best chance for long-term control in selected patients with early-stage disease. When surgery is indicated, procedures are performed at our accredited partner hospitals, under the direct coordination and supervision of our medical team, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is commonly used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as the main treatment for advanced disease.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in selected patients, often in combination with chemotherapy, particularly for locally advanced disease.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Used in selected patients based on molecular testing results, including those with specific genetic alterations.

Combined treatment strategies: Many patients benefit from a coordinated combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Palliative and supportive care: Supportive care focuses on symptom management, nutritional support, pain control, and quality of life at all stages of disease.

References

Pancreatic cancer overview
American Cancer Society, 2026

Pancreatic cancer – patient version
National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026

NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: pancreatic adenocarcinoma
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), latest version

Pancreatic cancer
Kleeff J et al. – Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2021

FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic cancer
Conroy T et al. – New England Journal of Medicine, 2011