What is it that makes pancreatic cancer so different from other cancers?

Hard to diagnose: Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to treat because it can develop without obvious symptoms. When it is discovered, it is often far advanced, making it very difficult to treat.

Late diagnosis: Generally it is diagnosed late because symptoms occur late. It is a small organ and a tumor can penetrate outside early into blood vessels and spine without causing any symptoms at first. Only when it blocks the bile ducts with resultant jaundice the patient seeks help. By then, usually the cancer is already in advanced stage.