Glossary

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis means learning a whole new language for tests, treatments, symptoms, even body parts. Our glossary provides short definitions for any pancreatic cancer-related term.

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There are currently 6 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter U.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
A federal government agency that regulates food and drugs in the United States.
Ultrasonography
Also called a sonogram, ultrasonogram, or ultrasound scan; imaging method that bounces sound waves off internal organs to produce echoes. A computer creates patterns from these echoes that can determine whether tissue is normal or abnormal.
Uncinate process of the pancreas
The part of the gland that bends backwards and underneath the body of the pancreas. Two very important blood vessels, the superior mesenteric artery and vein, cross in front of this part of the pancreas.
Unconventional therapy
Term used to cover all types of complementary and alternative treatments that fall outside of proven therapies. (See also Alternative therapy.)
Unresectable
Cancer that has grown beyond the pancreas and has invaded vital structures around the pancreas. Unresectable cancer cannot be entirely removed by surgery.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
A process in which a thin, long tool is guided into the esophagus and stomach.