Make a difference today. Rank Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and in women. Among other functions, its islet cells produce insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells. Signs and Symptoms Diagnosing pancreatic cancer is difficult because there are few early symptoms, and most can also caused by many other digestive disorders. Although the causes of pancreatic cancer remain unknown, factors have been identified that increase a person's risk for the disease.
Men are more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas than are women.
Risk increases following certain operations to treat ulcers of the stomach or small intestine. Early Detection There are no blood tests or other screening exams that can conclusively detect early-stage pancreatic cancer. When symptoms are present, tests and exams are performed to rule out other diseases as well as determine whether a person has cancer of the pancreas. The gallbladder and part of the common bile duct are removed and the remaining bile duct is attached to the small intestine so that bile from the liver continues to enter the small intestine. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used for inoperable pancreatic cancers.