What is pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas is an organ that sits deep in the belly, behind the stomach. It makes juices (enzymes) that help you digest food. It also makes insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer starts when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells that line the small tubes (ducts) of the pancreas. This type is called adenocarcinoma.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Yellow skin or eyes that is new or getting worse, or very dark urine; Fever or chills if you have a bile duct stent; Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm; Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain; Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day; Severe belly pain, or pain that your medicines no longer control; Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood; Very high blood sugar readings, extreme thirst, or confusion; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with dizziness; New belly swelling that makes it hard to breathe or eat; Bleeding that will not stop while on a blood thinner.

What chemotherapy plans are used for pancreatic cancer?

Common treatment plans include FOLFIRINOX, Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is serious, but treatment and symptom care keep getting better, and you do not have to face it alone.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through pancreatic cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What pancreatic cancer is

Let's start with the basics. The pancreas sits deep in your belly, behind the stomach. It makes juices that help you digest food. It also makes insulin, which controls blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer starts when cells there grow out of control. Because the pancreas is so deep, early signs are often missing. Common first signs are yellow skin or eyes, pain, and weight loss. This is a serious cancer. But treatment has improved. Good symptom care helps people feel better at every stage.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. Adenocarcinoma is by far the most common type. It starts in the cells lining the small tubes of the pancreas. Some rare types look a bit different, but are treated the same way. Where the tumor sits matters too. Tumors in the head of the pancreas often cause yellow skin early. Tumors in the body or tail are often found later. Some pancreas cysts are not cancer, but are watched with scans. Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and treated very differently.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A special CT scan shows the tumor and nearby blood vessels. An MRI uses magnets to look at the ducts and the liver. A thin tube with a camera and ultrasound can take a sample. Another camera test can place a small tube to keep bile flowing. A blood test called CA 19-9 can help track treatment. A short surgery with a camera may look for small spots. Gene tests look at your blood and the tumor. Other blood tests help plan treatment.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. Pancreatic cancer has stages 1 to 4. But doctors mostly ask one key question. Can the tumor be safely and fully removed with surgery? The answer depends on nearby blood vessels. A team of doctors often reviews the scans together. Why use these groups? They help your team plan treatment. They also help everyone talk the same language. Medicine is part of treatment at every stage. Your doctor will explain what your stage means for you.

Gene tests to know

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. There are two kinds of gene tests. One looks for changes you were born with. The other looks for changes inside the tumor. Experts advise testing for everyone with pancreatic cancer. There are many different markers. Each one has a different role. Some can change your treatment. Some can matter for your family too. Your doctor will tell you what your results mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatment options

Now let's look at treatment. The Whipple surgery removes the head of the pancreas. Another surgery removes the body and tail. Chemotherapy is often given before surgery, after it, or both. Several chemotherapy combinations are used. Radiation can be added, and it can also ease pain. Some people switch to lighter treatment once the cancer is controlled. Targeted medicines help people with certain gene changes. Palliative care helps with pain and symptoms at any stage. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team about them early.

Symptoms and what helps

Let's talk about side effects and symptoms. Belly or back pain is common. Pain medicines work best on a regular schedule. Oily or loose stools can happen. Enzyme capsules with meals help a lot. Yellow skin and itching often get better with a stent. Blood sugar can go up, and your team can help. Nausea medicines and small meals help. Chemotherapy can lower blood counts, so call for a fever. A dietitian can help with weight loss. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well with it

Last, let's talk about living well. Ask to meet the palliative care team early. They help with pain, eating, sleep, and mood. After treatment, you will have regular visits, scans, and blood tests. Life after a Whipple takes adjusting, and a dietitian can help. It is normal to feel scared or sad. Counselors and support groups can help you and your family. Call right away for a fever, new yellow skin, or leg swelling. If it feels very bad, call 911. Also see our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you took it one step at a time. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time something worries you. You are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
Yellow skin or eyes that is new or getting worse, or very dark urine
Fever or chills if you have a bile duct stent
Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm
Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day
Severe belly pain, or pain that your medicines no longer control
Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood
Very high blood sugar readings, extreme thirst, or confusion
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with dizziness
New belly swelling that makes it hard to breathe or eat
Bleeding that will not stop while on a blood thinner

Treatment plans (regimens)

Medicines often used

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is pancreatic cancer?: The pancreas is an organ that sits deep in the belly, behind the stomach. It makes juices (enzymes) that help you digest food. It also makes insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer starts when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form a tumor. Most pancreatic cancers start in the cells that line the small tubes (ducts) of the pancreas. This type is called adenocarcinoma.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Yellow skin or eyes that is new or getting worse, or very dark urine; Fever or chills if you have a bile duct stent; Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm; Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain; Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day; Severe belly pain, or pain that your medicines no longer control; Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood; Very high blood sugar readings, extreme thirst, or confusion; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with dizziness; New belly swelling that makes it hard to breathe or eat; Bleeding that will not stop while on a blood thinner.
What chemotherapy plans are used for pancreatic cancer?: Common treatment plans include FOLFIRINOX, Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.