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How do pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors differ from exocrine pancreatic cancers?
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pancreatic cancer
The human pancreas is composed of two main types of tissue: acinar cells and islets of Langerhans. The acinar cells produce digestive enzymes, which are secreted into tiny ducts that feed into the pancreatic duct. Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells that secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into a capillary network, which also joins the pancreatic duct.
Pancreatic cancers are categorized based on the specific tissue of origin within the pancreas, which performs both exocrine and endocrine functions.1
- Exocrine Pancreatic Cancers: These account for approximately 95 percent of all pancreatic cancers. They arise from the exocrine tissue, which is responsible for secreting enzymes into the digestive tract to aid in the breakdown of nutrients.1
- Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs): Also known as islet-cell cancers, these represent about 5 percent of pancreatic malignancies. They develop from the endocrine cells, which are tasked with secreting hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels.1
The fundamental difference lies in the cell type and biological function of the tissue from which the tumor originates.1