Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas.
The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help
digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This
type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the
pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer rarely is found at its early stages when the chance of curing it is
greatest. This is because it often doesn't cause symptoms until after it has spread to
other organs.
Symptoms
Pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until the disease is advanced. When
they happen, signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back.

Loss of appetite.

Weight loss.

Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice.

Light-colored or floating stools.

Dark-colored urine.

Itching.

New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes that's getting harder to control.

Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, which might be caused by a blood clot.

Tiredness or weakness.