Glossary: Understanding Pancreatic Cancer words and terms
When you're navigating a pancreatic cancer diagnosis - whether you're living with the disease, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand, it can feel like learning a whole new language. This glossary is here to guide you.
We’ve compiled clear definitions for the words and terms you’re most likely to encounter. From common medical terms to the specifics of pancreatic cancer treatment, our goal is to remove the complexity, so you can focus on what matters most.
A
Abdomen / Abdominal (Anatomy) - The part of the body between the ribs and the hips that contains organs such as the stomach, bowel, pancreas, liver and bladder.
Advanced Cancer (Cancer type) - Cancer that has spread from its original location to other parts of the body and can no longer be cured.
Adenocarcinoma (Cancer Type) - The most common type of pancreatic cancer. It begins in the cells lining the pancreatic duct, which produces enzymes that helps digest food.
Anaemia (Symptom) - A condition where there aren’t enough red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, leading to fatigue, breathlessness and pale skin.
Angiogenesis (Biology) - The process by which new blood vessels form in the body.
Ascites (Symptom) - A build-up of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
B
Benign Tumour (Cancer Type) - A growth of abnormal cells that is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Biopsy (Diagnostic) - The removal of tissue from the body for examination under a microscope to help determine the presence, cause or extent of a cancer.
Bowel Obstruction (Symptom) - A blockage in the intestines (bowel) that prevents the normal movement of stools through the body. It can be caused by the cancer and/or its treatment.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Genetics) - Inherited gene changes (mutation) that may increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancer.
C
CA125 Test (Diagnostic) - A blood test that measures levels of a protein called CA125 (cancer antigen 125). CA125 is a type of tumour marker. High levels can indicate some cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
CA19-9 Test (Diagnostic) - A test that checks levels of CA19-9 (cancer antigen 19-9) protein in the blood. CA19-9 is a type of tumour marker often used to help monitor pancreatic cancer.
CEA Test (Diagnostic) - A test that measures a protein called CEA (cancer antigen CEA) in the blood. CEA is a type of tumour marker sometimes raised in pancreatic and other cancers.
Cancer (Cancer Type) - A disease where cells grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant growth called a tumour. If not treated, they can spread to other parts of the body.
Cells (Biology) - The building blocks of the body. Humans are made of trillions of cells that perform different functions in the body.
Chemotherapy (Treatment) - A treatment for cancer using drugs (chemical/cytotoxic substances) to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Clinical Trial (Research) - A carefully designed research study that tests new treatments, therapies or tests for safety and effectiveness.
Complementary Therapies (Supportive Care) - Treatments used alongside standard medical care to help manage symptoms and side effects.
CREON (Medication) - A medicine that replaces enzymes the pancreas is no longer producing, helping with food digestion.
D
Diabetes (Condition) - A condition where the body struggles to produce or respond to insulin, affecting blood sugar levels.
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid (Genetics) - The genetic material found in all living organisms, carrying instructions for growth, development and function.
E
Endocrine Cells (Biology) - Cells that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Enzyme (Biology) - A protein that helps speed up chemical reactions in the body, including digestion.
Exocrine Cells (Biology) - Cells in the pancreas that release digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
F
Family Cancer Centre (Support Service) - A place where genetic counsellors help people understand inherited cancer risks and discuss testing.
G
Genes (Genetics) - The basic units of heredity, passed from parents to children, that determine traits and may carry cancer risks if faulty.
Genetic (Genetics) - Related to genes. A genetic condition is caused by faults in genes and may be inherited.
Grade (Diagnostic) - Describes how similar cancer cells look to normal cells, helping predict how fast a cancer may grow.
I
Immunotherapy (Treatment) - A treatment that boosts the body's natural defences to fight cancer.
J
Jaundice (Symptom) - Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood, often seen in pancreatic cancer.
L
Local Lymph Node (Anatomy) - The first lymph node or group of nodes near a tumour where cancer may spread.
Lymph Nodes (Anatomy) - Small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the immune system and help filter harmful substances.
M
Malignant (Cancer Type) - Cancerous. Malignant cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Medical Oncologist (Healthcare Provider) - A doctor who treats cancer using medication like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Metastasis (Cancer Type) - Cancer that has spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body.
N
Neuropathy Peripheral (Side Effect) - Numbness or tingling in hands or feet, often caused by certain cancer treatments.
O
Oncology Nurse (Healthcare Provider) - A nurse who specialises in supporting people diagnosed with cancer.
P
Palliative Care (Supportive Care) - A holistic approach to care focused on relieving symptoms, providing emotional support and improving quality of life.
Pancreas (Anatomy) - A gland located behind the stomach that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (Cancer Type) - The most common type of pancreatic cancer, usually starting in the ducts of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis (Condition) - Inflammation of the pancreas, often causing significant abdominal pain.
Pancrelipase (Medication) - An enzyme replacement therapy that helps break down food when the pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes.
Primary Tumour (Cancer Type) - The original site where a cancer begins, before it spreads.
Prognosis (Medical Term) - A medical opinion about the likely outcome or course of a disease.
R
Radiotherapy (Treatment) - The use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours.
Regional Lymph Node (Anatomy) - Lymph nodes near the original tumour that may be checked for cancer spread.
Resectable (Treatment Option) - A term used to describe a tumour that can be removed surgically.
S
Secondary Cancer (Cancer Type) - Cancer that has spread to a different part of the body from where it started.
Stage (Diagnostic) - Describes how far the cancer has spread in the body.
Staging (Diagnostic) - Tests and scans done to determine the stage of cancer.
Supportive Care (Supportive Care) - Care that focuses on improving quality of life, including symptom relief and emotional support.
T
Tissue (Biology) - A group of similar cells that work together to carry out a specific function.
Tumour (Cancer Type) - An abnormal growth of tissue that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Tumour Marker (Diagnostic) - A substance found in blood that may be higher when cancer is present.
W
Whipple Operation (Surgery) - A common surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer, especially when it is located in the head of the pancreas.
This glossary is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team with any concerns.