Serous cystadenoma is a non-cancerous tumor that develops in the pancreas. It is composed of small, fluid-filled spaces (cysts) lined by specialized cells that contain a sugar called glycogen. Most serous cystadenomas grow slowly and do not cause symptoms. They are often discovered by accident during imaging studies conducted for other purposes. What causes serous …
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Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or PanIN, is a microscopic-sized growth that starts in the small ducts of the pancreas. It is not cancer, but it is considered a type of precancerous change. This means that over time, PanIN can turn into a type of pancreatic cancer called ductal adenocarcinoma. PanIN is only visible under the microscope …
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Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare, slow-growing type of cancer of the pancreas. It most often affects adolescent girls and young women, although it can occur at any age and, less commonly, in men. Despite being a cancer, this tumour usually grows slowly and responds very well to surgery. Most people do very well after …
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An intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a type of non-invasive pancreatic tumor. It starts from the cells that line the ducts, which are small channels that carry digestive fluids from the pancreas into the intestines. These cells produce a thick, sticky substance called mucin. IPMNs are considered precancerous because, over time, they can develop …
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A well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour is a type of pancreatic cancer that starts from neuroendocrine cells in the hormone-producing (endocrine) part of the pancreas. These tumours are more common in people with a genetic syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), but most people with this tumour do not have any known genetic condition. …
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Ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It starts from the cells that line the small tubes (ducts) inside the pancreas. These cells normally help transport digestive fluids made by the pancreas into the small intestine. In ductal adenocarcinoma, these cells begin to grow abnormally and invade the surrounding tissue. Over time, …
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