Pancreatic cancer develops when malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which grows rapidly and can spread to other organs.

As the tumor progresses, it can block the bile ducts, affect digestion, and disrupt blood sugar regulation, making early detection critical for successful treatment.