Questions about pancreatic cancer?
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.
What's in the 'Types of pancreatic cancer' section?
- What types of pancreatic cancer are there?
- What is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)?
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancers
- Pancreatic cysts
- Other cancers linked with the pancreas
The different types of pancreatic cancer are divided into two main groups, based on the different types of cells found in the pancreas.
- The two main types of pancreatic cancer are exocrine cancers and neuroendocrine cancers.
- Exocrine tumours start in the exocrine and ductal cells, where enzymes are made and transported. These enzymes help to digest food.
- The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This is an exocrine tumour.
- Neuroendocrine cancers start in the neuroendocrine cells.
- Neuroendocrine cells make hormones that help to control how our bodies work. For example, in the pancreas they make insulin and glucagon that help to control blood sugar levels.
- You may hear neuroendocrine cancers called pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) or pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (pNECs).
We provide support to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer. There is lots of information on our website to help you understand PDAC. Neuroendocrine Cancer UK has more detailed information and support for people with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancers.
The pancreas can also be affected by pancreatic cysts, or by other cancers that grow close to it or inside it.
Questions to ask your doctor or nurse
- What type of cancer do I have in my pancreas?
- Is it an exocrine or neuroendocrine cancer?
- Where in my pancreas is the cancer?
- How is this type of cancer treated?
References and acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following people who reviewed our information on types of pancreatic cancer.
- Melanie Dadkhah-Taeidy, Macmillan HPB Cancer CNS, Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Nikie Jervis, Director of Support Services, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK
- Pancreatic Cancer UK Information Volunteers
- Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurses
References
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
- Chandra S et al. Discordant risk factors between pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Endocrine-Related Cancer 32(4), 2025. doi.org/10.1530/ERC-24-0142 [Accessed June 2025]
- Vinik A et al. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs): New Developments. [Updated April 2022]. In: Feingold KR et al. [eds]. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. [online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279074/ [Accessed June 2025]
- Zhu J-k et al. Cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A distinctive subgroup with indolent biological behavior? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pancreatology, 19:738-750, 2019. doi.org/10.1016/j.pan.2019.05.462 [Accessed June 2025]
Published August 2025
To be reviewed August 2028