pancreatic cancer

Cancer that begins in the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach (pancreas).The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugars. This type of cancer is often detected late, spreads rapidly and has a poor prognosis.There are no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms, but these can be non-specific, such as lack of appetite and weight loss.Treatment may include surgically removing the pancreas, radiation and chemotherapy.