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Which type of pancreatic tissue gives rise to most 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.
Most pancreatic cancers arise from the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Approximately 95 percent of all pancreatic cancers develop from this tissue, which is responsible for secreting enzymes into the digestive tract to aid in the breakdown of fats and proteins.1
The remaining 5 percent of pancreatic cancers originate from the endocrine pancreas, which consists of cells located in the islets of Langerhans. These are often referred to as neuroendocrine tumors or islet-cell cancers.12