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Pancreatic tumours
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATIC TUMOURS
HCA UK experts can explain the symptoms of pancreatic tumours and offer advice on the treatments available
About
The pancreas produces digestive juices and hormones. Tumours that form on the pancreas can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Tumours start in different parts of the pancreas. Understanding the type of cell the tumour started in and exactly where in the pancreas, will help your consultant decide the treatment you need.
Need to know
Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumours are in the pancreas. The symptoms are not precise but may include:
- pain in the tummy area
- back pain
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- weight loss
You might experience other symptoms such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea or constipation
- fever
- shivering
- indigestion (heartburn)
- blood clots
As these symptoms can often be caused by other conditions, it’s a good idea to get checked by your GP or consultant if you notice them.
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and examine you. They may also look at your skin to check for signs of jaundice (yellowing) and ask for a urine test and a blood test. If pancreatic tumours are suspected, tests may include:
- ultrasound scan
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan
- PET-CT scan
Depending on the results of initial tests, your consultant may also recommend:
- endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- laparoscopy
- magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- biopsy
A small tissue sample is taken from a suspected tumour.
Cancerous tumours in your pancreas can be difficult to treat. In the early stages, the symptoms are not very noticeable, so they are often not diagnosed until the advanced stages. If your tumour is large or has spread to other parts of your body, treatment options may be more complex. Your consultant will discuss the best treatment for you. This will depend on the type and location of your tumour and how advanced it is. Your age and your overall health will also be taken into consideration. Treatment options may include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
However in the advanced stages, surgery is not always an option.
Types of cancerous pancreatic tumours
Adenocarcinomas
This is the most common type. They start in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas
Cystic tumours
These are cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the pancreas. Most pancreatic cysts are benign (non-cancerous) but some are cancerous
Cancer of the acinar cells
Located at the ends of the ducts that produce pancreatic juices. They tend to occur in younger people and are slower growing
Endocrine pancreatic tumours
These are uncommon and start in the endocrine pancreas, where insulin and other hormones are made and released directly into the bloodstream
Pancreatoblastoma
These are very rare tumours that mainly occur in children
Sarcomas of the pancreas
These are extremely rare. They involve the connective tissue that holds together the cells of the pancreas
Our Pancreatic tumours locations
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.