Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer (English: Pancreatic cancer), individuals typically do not experience noticeable symptoms or signs. Moreover, these symptoms may be vague or develop gradually, making early diagnosis challenging. This phenomenon explains why a significant number of individuals are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. Symptoms tend to emerge as the cancer progresses, and it is important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and may differ from one person to another. Additionally, symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer can resemble those caused by other medical conditions such as pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, or hepatitis. Generally, symptoms may appear earlier when cancer affects the head of the pancreas compared to the body and tail. However, the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not confirm a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, as these symptoms can be common to various other conditions. Below are a detailed account of the symptoms and signs associated with pancreatic cancer:

Jaundice

Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer may initially be attributed to other issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or fatigue, but jaundice often cannot be overlooked. This condition occurs when the liver’s bile production is disrupted due to a tumor in the head of the pancreas obstructing bile flow through the bile duct. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, dark orange or yellowish urine, pale stool, intense itching, and though pancreatic cancer isn’t the most common cause of jaundice, other conditions like gallstones, hepatitis, and other liver and bile duct diseases are more prevalent causes.

Abdominal or Back Pain

Pancreatic cancer often spreads to the surrounding nerves, resulting in pain in the back or abdomen. This type of cancer may lead to discomfort in the upper abdomen, which can sometimes radiate to the back. Back and abdominal pain can occur due to various reasons beyond pancreatic cancer; however, when associated with this type of cancer, it might be exacerbated by laying down or eating—especially in individuals where the tumor is situated in the body or tail of the pancreas. Notably, in the early stages, the pain may be intermittent but typically becomes more persistent as the tumor grows and reaches advanced stages of the disease.

Weight Loss

Weight loss or loss of appetite can be caused by many cancer types. In the case of pancreatic cancer, there can be a more pronounced effect since the pancreas plays a crucial role in aiding digestion by releasing enzymes into the intestines. Any disruption in this function can lead to digestive difficulties, particularly with fatty foods, resulting in substantial weight loss and malnutrition as the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients vital for health.

Digestive Issues

Individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may experience various digestive-related symptoms due to the tumor’s pressure on the stomach or other parts of the digestive system from metastasis beyond the pancreas. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal swelling. Often, pancreatic cancer complicates the process of eating and digesting food since the pancreas is integral to these functions. Consequently, digestive problems can manifest as early satiety upon starting meals, belching, and gas. These symptoms can also arise from non-cancerous causes. Additionally, patients may experience fatty stools, indicating improper fat digestion, along with constipation or diarrhea.

Fatigue

While extreme fatigue is a notable symptom of pancreatic cancer, it can also arise from several other factors. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to seek medical attention if they experience unexplained fatigue.

Diabetes

For individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at an early stage, it is often a result of imaging studies conducted for other medical conditions or for the diagnosis of diabetes. Pancreatic cancer may trigger an unexpected onset of diabetes that is not related to weight gain or a clear cause, as the cancer damages healthy insulin-producing cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is crucial to assess individuals diagnosed with new or concerning diabetes to rule out pancreatic cancer.

Blood Clots

The presence of blood clots does not automatically indicate cancer, as most clots stem from various causes. However, sometimes, the first sign of pancreatic cancer is the discovery of blood clots in larger veins, often in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected leg. Occasionally, a portion of the clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs, resulting in significant breathing difficulties or chest pain, referred to as pulmonary embolism.

Enlarged Gallbladder or Liver

A physician may detect a sizable mass beneath the right side of the rib cage during a physical examination or through imaging tests performed to address another issue. This mass could be due to bile duct obstruction resulting from pancreatic cancer, leading to bile accumulation in the gallbladder and subsequent enlargement. Moreover, the doctor may also palpate an enlarged liver, or it may be visible via imaging, particularly if cancer has metastasized to that region.

Rare Symptoms

Some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can produce an excess of hormones, leading to the following symptoms and signs:

• Elevated blood sugar levels.
• Blurred vision.
• Severe thirst.
• Increased urination.
• Insulinoma: Elevated insulin levels that cause sweating, anxiety, dizziness, and fainting due to hypoglycemia.
• Glucagonoma: May lead to diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, and weight loss.
• Gastrinoma: May cause stomach ulcers that bleed, abdominal pain, reflux, and weight loss.
• Somatostatinoma: Can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling fatty stools.
• VIPoma: May cause watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and flushing of the face.

When to See a Doctor

The symptoms described earlier in this article may not necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer, as they can be associated with numerous other common conditions. However, if an individual is concerned and experiencing sudden symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis greatly increases the likelihood of successful treatment.