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Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

Why is pancreatic cancer so difficult to diagnose in its early stages?

Pancreatic cancer is hard to diagnose because the early symptoms are usually vague. Early symptoms are usually nothing more than a general feeling of discomfort in the abdomen or an unexplained weight loss. Jaundice, which occurs when the growing tumor blocks the bile duct, is often the symptom that first causes patients to go to their doctor.

The pancreas is a small organ located in the back of the abdomen and surrounded by the stomach, large intestine and liver. This makes it hard to see the pancreas with imaging technologies and difficult to access to remove cells for a biopsy. Even at a small size, cancer originating in the pancreas spreads quickly to other organs.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

Like many types of cancer, pancreatic cancer is caused by a combination of inherited genetic factors and environmental or lifestyle factors, especially cigarette smoking. We know that 25 percent of all cases of pancreatic cancer are associated with smoking. Other environmental risk factors include a high-fat, low-fiber diet and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.

There also are genetic links to pancreatic cancer. A family history of the disease is present in about 10 percent of all cases. Pancreatic cancer is associated with genetic mutations known to cause other types of cancer like melanoma, breast or colon cancer. Scientists still don't know most of the gene alterations that increase a person's susceptibility to pancreatic cancer.

Continue reading about stem cells in pancreatic cancer:    1     2     3     4     5

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This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

This information is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 The Regents of the University of Michigan

Learn more:
Stem cell research at the University of Michigan
Stem Cells - Explained and Explored

Other stem cell resources:
National Institutes of Health Web site on stem cells

International Society for Stem Cell Research

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center