The abnormal cells form a mass in the pancreas called a tumor . When a tumor has the ability to spread to other parts of the body, it is called malignant . Another word for a malignant tumor is cancer. The most common malignant tumors of the pancreas come from cells involved in the production of enzymes for digestion. These cells make up the lining of the pancreatic duct, through which digestive and pancreatic juices flow.
Cancer can also occur in the islet cells but is less common there.
Cancer of the pancreas is sometimes called pancreatic cancer . The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known. All the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are easily explained based on the location of the pancreas and it relationship to other organs in the body. Jaundice occurs when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is made in the liver.