What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
A plain-language explanation of pancreatic cancer and the two kinds of cells it can start in, based on National Cancer Institute resources.
Source: National Cancer Institute · Verified 2026-07-02
The 30-second version
Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells. The exocrine type is more common and is usually found at an advanced stage. Neuroendocrine tumors are less common but have a better outlook.
Key takeaways
- Pancreatic cancer can start in two kinds of cells: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells.
- The exocrine type is more common.
- The exocrine type is usually found at an advanced stage.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors) are less common.
- Neuroendocrine tumors have a better prognosis than the exocrine type.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells. Which kind of cell the cancer starts in makes an important difference.
Pancreatic cancer is not all one thing — it can start in two different kinds of cells.
The exocrine type
The exocrine type starts in exocrine cells. It is more common than the other type.
It is usually found at an advanced stage. "Advanced stage" means the cancer has grown or spread more before it is found.
The exocrine type is the more common form, and it is usually found at an advanced stage.
Neuroendocrine tumors
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are also called islet cell tumors. They start in neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells.
These tumors are less common than the exocrine type. But they have a better prognosis. "Prognosis" means the likely course and outcome of a disease.
Neuroendocrine (islet cell) tumors are less common but have a better outlook.
Why the difference matters
Because the two types can behave so differently, knowing which kind of cell the cancer started in is an important part of understanding the diagnosis. Your healthcare team can explain which type is involved in a specific situation.
Prevention and screening
The National Cancer Institute does not have PDQ evidence-based information about prevention or screening for pancreatic cancer. This means there is no standard evidence-based screening test listed for it the way there is for some other cancers. Your healthcare team is the best source for guidance about your own situation.
Watch instead
Animated lessons are in production. Here’s the planned video slate for this topic — each one will be based on the same NCI-sourced explanation you’re reading.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer: the quick overview
A one-breath explanation you can watch before an appointment.
Coming soonWhat Is Pancreatic Cancer, explained simply
The core ideas with friendly animation and plain language.
Coming soonUnderstanding what is pancreatic cancer — full lesson
A deeper walkthrough covering the key takeaways and common questions.
Coming soonVideo transcript▾
A full, readable transcript will appear here when the video is published — so the lesson is accessible whether you prefer to watch, listen, or read. For now, the article above is the complete text version.
Suggested animation storyboard▾
- 1Open on a calm title card: "What Is Pancreatic Cancer?" with the Cancer Explained mark.
- 2Narrator reads the 30-second summary while a soft animated diagram builds on screen: "Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells. The exocrine type is more common and is usually found at an advanced stage. Neuroendocrine tumors are less common but have a better outlook."
- 3Scene 2: illustrate the idea — "Pancreatic cancer can start in two kinds of cells: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells."
- 4Scene 3: illustrate the idea — "The exocrine type is more common."
- 5Scene 4: illustrate the idea — "The exocrine type is usually found at an advanced stage."
- 6Close on a reminder card: this is educational only; talk with your healthcare team, and a link to the NCI source.
Words to know
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Quick knowledge check
According to this article, what two kinds of cells can pancreatic cancer develop from?
Frequently asked questions
▸What kinds of cells does pancreatic cancer start in?
Pancreatic cancer can develop from two kinds of cells in the pancreas: exocrine cells and neuroendocrine cells, such as islet cells.
▸Which type of pancreatic cancer is more common?
The exocrine type is more common. It is usually found at an advanced stage.
▸What are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, also called islet cell tumors, start in neuroendocrine cells. They are less common than the exocrine type but have a better prognosis.
▸Why does the type of cell matter?
The two types can behave differently. The exocrine type is usually found at an advanced stage, while neuroendocrine tumors have a better prognosis.
▸Is there a screening test for pancreatic cancer?
The National Cancer Institute does not have PDQ evidence-based information about prevention or screening for pancreatic cancer. Your healthcare team can explain more.
Test your understanding
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Review key terms
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Questions to ask your healthcare team
Consider bringing these questions to your next appointment.
- Is this the exocrine type or a neuroendocrine tumor?
- What does prognosis mean in my situation?
- What does it mean if a cancer is found at an advanced stage?
- Who will be part of my care team?
- Where can I find trustworthy information about this type of pancreatic cancer?
- What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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