American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

The most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This cancer arises from the ductal cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing digestive enzymes. It accounts for approximately 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases, making it significantly more common than other types. This particular cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle symptoms and the anatomical location of the pancreas, which can mask early detection. The high incidence of this form underscores its importance in discussions of pancreatic cancer. Other types, such as insulinomas, acinar cell carcinomas, and neuroendocrine tumors, are much less common. Insulinomas are a specific type of neuroendocrine tumor that produces insulin, while acinar cell carcinomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors represent different pathophysiological processes, each contributing a minor proportion to overall pancreatic cancer cases. Thus, while they may have significant clinical implications, they do not match the frequency of occurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.