PDAC develops from cells lining small tubes in the pancreas called ducts (duct cells in the diagram below). These carry the digestive juices, which contain enzymes, into the main pancreatic duct.
Diagram showing the anatomy of the pancreas
Less than 1 out of 100 pancreatic cancers (1%) are acinar cell carcinoma. Acinar cell carcinoma is more common in men. It develops in the acinar cells at the end of the ducts (see diagram), which make the digestive enzymes. Symptoms can include tummy pain, weight loss, and feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting).
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms grow mostly in the body and tail of the pancreas. They are more common in younger women and are also the most common pancreatic tumour in children. Symptoms can include a lump in the tummy, tummy pain, weight loss and sickness.
This rare type of pancreatic cancer mostly affects children. It is extremely rare in adults.
There are other very rare pancreatic exocrine cancers, including adenosquamous carcinoma.
If you have any questions about your cancer, speak to your medical team.
You can also speak to our specialist nurses on our Support Line.
We have listed some of the references to the sources used to write this information. If you would like the full list of references, email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Published August 2025
To be reviewed August 2028
