Overview
Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare type of pancreatic cancer that starts in the pancreas — a gland behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. This cancer grows inside fluid-filled sacs called cysts, which produce a thick, mucus-like fluid. It is sometimes called mucinous cystic neoplasm with invasive carcinoma or malignant mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas. Unlike the most common form of pancreatic cancer, this type tends to grow more slowly and is more often found in women, particularly in middle age. The cancer usually develops in the body or tail of the pancreas (the left side of the gland). As it grows, it can press on nearby organs and block important ducts, causing pain, digestive problems, and other symptoms. Because the cysts can grow quite large before causing noticeable symptoms, the disease is sometimes found by accident during imaging done for another reason. Treatment most often involves surgery to remove the tumor, and when caught before the cancer has spread, surgery can sometimes be curative. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used, especially if the cancer has spread or cannot be fully removed. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, making awareness of symptoms very important.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Dull or aching pain in the upper belly or backFeeling full quickly after eating small amountsNausea and vomitingUnexplained weight lossYellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Dark urine or pale, greasy stoolsNew or worsening diabetesA lump or mass that can sometimes be felt in the bellyBloating or swelling of the abdomenLoss of appetiteFatigue and low energy
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has the cancer spread beyond the pancreas, and am I a candidate for surgery?,What type of surgery would I need, and what are the risks and recovery time?,Should I have genetic testing to check for an inherited cancer syndrome in my family?,What chemotherapy or other treatments are available if surgery is not possible or if the cancer comes back?,How will treatment affect my digestion and blood sugar, and will I need enzyme supplements or diabetes medication?,How often will I need follow-up scans and tests after treatment?,Are there any clinical trials I should consider for this type of cancer?
Common questions about Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas
What is Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas?
Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare type of pancreatic cancer that starts in the pancreas — a gland behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. This cancer grows inside fluid-filled sacs called cysts, which produce a thick, mucus-like fluid. It is sometimes called mucinous cystic neoplasm with invasive carcinoma or malignant mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas. Unlike the most common form of pancreatic cancer, this type tends to grow more slowly and is more often found in women, particularly in middle age. The cancer usually develops in the body o
How is Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas inherited?
Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas typically begin?
Typical onset of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas?
1 specialists and care centers treating Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.