The pancreas lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine. There are two kinds of cells in the pancreas, exocrine cells, and neuroendocrine cells. Exocrine pancreas cells make enzymes that are released into the small intestine to help the body digest food. Neuroendocrine pancreas cells (such as islet cells) make several hormones, including insulin and glucagon, that help control sugar levels in the blood.
There are two types of pancreatic cancers; however, most often pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic digestive juices, which are the exocrine cells. This type of cancer is called exocrine pancreatic cancer and is the most common pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The information on our website will focus on this type of pancreatic cancer.
Much less often, pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that make hormones. This type may be called neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer or islet cell cancer.
You can review other important information visit each of our sections about diagnosing pancreatic cancer, staging the disease, and pancreatic cancer treatment options on our website or you can request a consultation with one of our pancreatic cancer specialists at our offices in Portland and Vancouver where they can answer questions specific to your individual situation.
From Our Blog: Additional Cancer Resources and Information
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Options
At Compass Oncology, after your pancreatic cancer diagnosis, one of our cancer specialists will work together with you to develop a cancer treatment plan that’s best for you based on your type of pancreatic cancer, the stage of your pancreatic cancer, your overall health, and various other factors. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
Genetics and Pancreatic Cancer
While pancreatic cancer is not the most common type of cancer, each year in the United States, more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. Most are over 65 years old, and smoking or hereditary conditions can affect your risk for pancreatic cancer as well.
Compass Oncology has a team of physicians and nurses in our program that are available to speak with you about hereditary and genetic risks for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Research & Clinical Trials
Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research that offers pancreatic cancer clinical research trials for patients in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, areas. Our patients have participated in clinical research trials that have led to new cancer therapies being approved by the FDA.
Support Services for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
From second opinions to our patient benefit representatives and oncology social workers, the support specialists at Compass Oncology are here to help you during every step of your cancer journey. We also encourage you to learn more and take advantage of both our Compass Oncology cancer support groups and other local cancer support groups in and around Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.