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2) What exactly is pancreatic cancer?
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What is Cancer?
The word cancer is derived from the Latin word for crab because it grabs
onto something and will not let go. The term cancer refers to a new growth
which will invade surrounding tissues, metastasize (spread to other organs)
and may eventually lead to the patient's death if untreated. |
| We often hear about cancer from friends and family and in the news. The
terms tumor and cancer are sometimes used synonymously which can be misleading.
A tumor is not necessarily a cancer. The word tumor simply refers to a
mass. For example, a collection of pus is by definition a tumor. A cancer
is a particularly threatening type of tumor. It is helpful to keep these
distinctions clear when discussing a possible cancer diagnosis. |
| neoplasm- |
An abnormal new growth of tissue that grows more rapidly than normal
cells and will continue to grow if not treated. These growths will
compete with normal cells for nutrients. This is a non-specific term
that can refer to benign or malignant growths. A synonym for tumor. |
| tumor- |
The more commonly used term for a neoplasm. The word tumor simply
refers to a mass. This is a general term that can refer to benign
or malignant growths. |
| benign tumor- |
A non-malignant/non-cancerous tumor. A benign tumor is usually
localized, rarely spreads to other parts of the body and responds
well to treatment. However, if left untreated, benign tumors can
lead to serious disease. |
| malignant tumor- |
Cancer. A malignant tumor is resistant to treatment, may spread
to other parts of the body and often recurs after removal. |
| cancer- |
A malignant tumor (a malignant neoplasm). |
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What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Cancer of the pancreas strikes approximately 5 out of every 100,000 people every year and is one
of the deadliest forms of cancer. It is estimated that this year 32,000 Americans will be diagnosed
with cancer of the pancreas. An almost equal number of patients (some diagnosed previous to this year)
will die from pancreatic cancer during this year. |
| Cancer of the pancreas is not one disease. In fact, as many as twenty different tumors have been lumped
under the umbrella term "cancer of the pancreas." Each of these tumors has a different appearance when
examined with a microscope, some require different treatments, and each carries its own unique prognosis.
An understanding of the different types of pancreatic tumors is required
for rational treatment. |
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Cancers of the pancreas can be broadly classified as:
| primary- |
those arising from the pancreas itself |
| metastatic- |
those arising in other organs and only later spreading to the pancreas |
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In the vast majority of cases the term "cancer of the pancreas" refers
to primary cancers of the pancreas. Primary cancers of the pancreas can
be broadly sub-grouped into those that show endocrine differentiation and
those that do not. This latter distinction is very important and will greatly
impact on treatment and outcome.
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More information on
Surgical Treatment and Research |
Surgeons at Johns Hopkins
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