The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones, such as insulin, that control blood sugar. When tissue is removed from the pancreas, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the pancreas. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Some conditions are cancerous, some are precancerous (not cancer, but a change that can increase the risk of cancer over time), and some are not cancer at all. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the pancreas
These diagnoses are tumors of the pancreas that are cancerous or have the potential to behave like cancer. They range widely in how quickly they grow and how likely they are to spread. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It develops from the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, or pancreatic cancer.
Well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor
A well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor is a slow-growing tumor that develops from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, or a pancreatic NET.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm
A solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is an uncommon, slow-growing tumor of the pancreas. It is most common in young women and can usually be cured with surgery. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe changes in the pancreas that are not cancer but can increase the risk that cancer develops over time. Some form cysts that can be seen on imaging. They are usually monitored or removed to lower that risk. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
An intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is a cyst-forming growth that develops in the ducts of the pancreas. It is not cancer, but some can develop into cancer over time. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or IPMN, or a pancreatic cyst.
A mucinous cystic neoplasm is a cyst-forming growth of the pancreas that contains mucus. It is not cancer, but it can develop into cancer over time. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas, or a pancreatic cyst.
Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia
Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia is a microscopic precancerous change in the ducts of the pancreas. It is not cancer and is usually found by chance. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia or PanIN.
Noncancerous tumors
This diagnosis is a noncancerous tumor of the pancreas. It does not spread to other parts of the body, although it is sometimes removed depending on its size and the symptoms it causes. The article explains what this diagnosis means.
A serous cystadenoma is a noncancerous tumor of the pancreas made up of many small, fluid-filled cysts. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a serous cystadenoma of the pancreas, or a pancreatic cyst.
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