What is the pancreas?
ANSWER
- The pancreas is an organ located behind your stomach next to the top of the small intestine. It is about six inches long but is less than two inches wide and functions as two separate organs. It has two big manufacturing jobs in the body: It makes digestive juices that help the intestines break down food
- It produces hormones -- including insulin -- that regulate the body's use of sugars and starches. The pancreas is divided into three sections: the head, the body, and the tail.
From: Understanding Pancreatic Cancer -- the Basics WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin on July 30, 2017
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: "Learn About Cancer: Pancreatic Cancer."
National Cancer Institute: "Pancreatic Cancer."
The National Pancreas Foundation: "About Pancreatic Cancer."
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: "Learn About Cancer: Pancreatic Cancer."
National Cancer Institute: "Pancreatic Cancer."
The National Pancreas Foundation: "About Pancreatic Cancer."
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.