The vast majority of cases of pancreas cancer are ductal adenocarcinoma, although the terms are often used interchangeably. These cancers are actually diverse kinds of malignant neoplasms. Some are benign, such as solid pseudopapillary neoplasms. Others are aggressive, such as acinar neoplasms. The pancreas cancer is particularly difficult to treat because of its inherent resistance to standard chemotherapy.
In recent years, a consensus conference on pancreatic cancer has been organized by the American Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association. Results of the conference will soon be published. At the conference, participants discussed the best ways to diagnose pancreatic cancer. One of the major goals of the conference was to create a common language for radiologic evaluation and pathologic analysis. The goal is to create guidelines that will be used in future trials and clinical practice.
The morphological features of pancreatic tumors also differ from those of other types of tumors. Although most are classified as ductal tumors, some types of pancreatobiliary cancer are distinct, including those with nuclear beta-catenin. These types are frequently large, compact, and are associated with necrosis. Although there is no definitive way to differentiate them from other types of pancreas cancer, early detection is crucial.
Despite the fact that pancreas cancer is rare, there is no screening test for it. A biopsy is a common procedure that may be performed in some cases. However, it is important to note that pancreatic cancer is not as easy to detect as other types of cancer. Because pancreatic cancer is often very difficult to detect, it is best to seek medical attention early, before the disease has spread beyond the pancreas.
The most common form of pancreas cancer is ductal carcinoma. It is also known as conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer rarely affects those under the age of thirty, and its overall survival rate is only five to ten percent. However, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in the USA. A large pancreatic mass is not likely to be a PDAC unless it is located in the tail part of the organ.
However, there are several types of pancreas cancer. Different types have different biologic and molecular characteristics. While some have characteristics in common, some are not. In fact, some are even different from PDACs, but they are closely related and have aggressive behavior. The adenosquamous carcinomas are the most aggressive, while the medullary types show a better behavior. It is not clear what makes these two different types of pancreas cancer so different from one another.
Pancreas cancer is a systemic disease, which means that the symptoms of the disease are not immediately apparent. Fortunately, though, advances in the field of pancreatic cancer have been made. Although it has been difficult to conduct clinical trials, newer models are available that more closely mimic human disease. Molecular markers of disease progression and the genetic changes that cause the cancer have led to better understanding of the process. These new research methods will eventually translate into treatment for pancreatic cancer patients.
