Pancreatic cancer is one of the less common cancers in the country, with statistics suggesting that it makes up only 3% of all cases of the condition. Due to difficulties in correctly identifying it, cancer often gets diagnosed at an advanced stage. This leads to complications in treatment and recovery, as it is almost impossible to manage the symptoms effectively. The following article talks about the four main types of pancreatic cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Not to be confused with the type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas (SCCP) is one of the rare forms of pancreatic cancers. A type of nonendocrine cancer, it occurs in the pancreatic ducts. Being one of the rare forms of cancer, SCCP has a poor prognosis as most cases are discovered after metastasis. Patients with this form of pancreatic cancer typically experience unexplained abdominal pain, back pain, loss of appetite (anorexia), sudden weight loss, obstructive jaundice. As cancer progresses, patients may also experience gastrointestinal bleeding and melena. The distribution patterns of SCCP vary in different patients. It is observed that more than 70 percent of patients develop the type in the head of the pancreas and the rest have developed in the body and the tail.
Colloid carcinoma
Also known as mucinous non-cystic carcinoma, colloid carcinoma accounts for between 1 to 3 percent of total cases of pancreatic cancers. The malignant tumors develop from a type of benign cyst called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPNN), and the malignant cells of colloid carcinoma float in a gelatinous substance called mucin. While it is a rare type of pancreatic cancer, it has a fairly good prognosis as it does not metastasize as easily as other types, making it easier to manage its symptoms. Abdominal pain, unexplained abdominal mass, jaundice, and weight loss are some of the signs of this condition. However, an incisional biopsy showing stromal mucin accumulation might confirm if the patient is suffering from colloid carcinoma.
Adenosquamous carcinoma
This type of pancreatic cancer shows characteristics of both ductal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Patients suffering from adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas might exhibit symptoms like nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss, and abdominal pain. If the malignant cells are present in the head of the pancreas, it could result in obstructive jaundice and even pancreatitis. Imaging techniques and biopsies can help determine the location of the tumor in the organ, which can further help in determining appropriate treatment options.
Adenocarcinoma
This is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and accounts for more than 90 percent of the total cases. Adenocarcinoma occurs in the lining of the pancreatic ducts. Oncologists believe that the condition might also develop from cells responsible for creating pancreatic enzymes. Symptoms of adenocarcinoma include unexplained weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. However, if the patient develops unexplained jaundice, skin rashes, and experiences joint pain, then this could be due to the malignancy of acinar cells that produce excessive pancreatic enzymes.
