Exocrine cancer

Exocrine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the exocrine glands. These glands are part of the endocrine system and produce a variety of substances such as sweat, saliva, and digestive enzymes. Exocrine cancers are most commonly found in the pancreas, but can also occur in other parts of the body.

Types of Exocrine Cancer

There are several types of exocrine cancer, including:

• Pancreatic cancer: This is the most common type of exocrine cancer. It begins in the cells of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

• Salivary gland cancer: This type of exocrine cancer begins in the salivary glands, which produce saliva to aid in digestion.

• Sweat gland cancer: This is a rare type of exocrine cancer that begins in the sweat glands, which are responsible for producing sweat to cool the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms of exocrine cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Common symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Weight loss
• Changes in bowel movements
• Swelling in the neck or face (for salivary gland cancer)
• Skin changes (for sweat gland cancer)

Diagnosis

Exocrine cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• Imaging tests: These tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, can help doctors visualize the tumor and determine its size and location.

• Biopsy: In this procedure, a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspected tumor and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

• Blood tests: These tests can help doctors detect certain substances in the blood that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Treatment

The treatment for exocrine cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: This is often the first line of treatment for exocrine cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be affected.

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for exocrine cancer varies widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

Exocrine cancer Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia