What are the two types of cells pancreatic cancer starts in?

Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells.

The exocrine type is more common. It is usually found at an advanced stage, which means the cancer has grown or spread more before it is found.

Cancer that starts in neuroendocrine cells is called a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, also known as an islet cell tumor. These tumors are less common than the exocrine type, but they have a better prognosis.

Because the two types can behave differently, knowing which kind of cell the cancer started in is an important part of understanding the diagnosis. Your healthcare team is the best source for information about a specific situation.