Britannica Sources used in this answer

How is chronic pancreatitis associated with pancreatic cancer?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells. — 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.

Chronic pancreatitis is identified as a significant risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer. While the specific biological mechanisms linking the two conditions are complex, chronic pancreatitis is characterized by continuous inflammation and the progressive loss of pancreatic function, often resulting from ductal blockages caused by mucus plugs or the precipitation of calcium salts.123

This persistent inflammatory state is recognized as an uncontrollable risk factor that increases the likelihood of malignancy. Because chronic pancreatitis can lead to long-term structural and functional damage to the pancreas, it is categorized alongside other major risk factors—such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, and genetic predispositions—that contribute to the overall incidence of the disease.12