Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Early detection of pancreatic cancer is rare. Primarily it's because the symptoms are very vague, non-specific and are usually very similar to other less serious conditions. Obvious multiple symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has already reached advanced stages and has spread to other organs. At the advanced stages, the disease difficult to treat. This why the five-year survival rate is less than 6%.

Pancreatic Cancer Cannot Be Prevented

However, by controlling certain risk factors, you can reduce the risks of getting this brutal disease. Your best defense is not only eliminating the risk factors that you can control, but being very observant of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Although the symptoms are vague, be diligently aware of those symptoms. This is particularly crucial if you are experiencing a multitude of symptoms and have a number of risk factors. Do not hesitate to consult with your physician. If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, are of advancing age and you are strongly concerned about your symptoms, request scans of your pancreas.

Catching a cancerous tumor at the earliest stage while it is localized in the pancreas dramatically improves survival rate.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer grows eerily silent. Recent studies show that it takes about 10 years for the first mutated cancer cell to develop and about another 7 years to reach metastasis. Therefore there is a wide window of opportunity for detection. Being knowledgeable of the risk factors and very observant of the existence of symptoms can lead to early detection that can make the difference between survival or falling victim.

The symptoms vary depending upon where the cancer within the pancreas is located. Cancers that develop in the pancreas head tend to block the drainage of bile from the liver to the intestines which cause a jaundice symptom. In contrast, tumors that arise in the body or tail are less likely to cause jaundice and more often cause pains in abdominal areas, weight loss, and diarrhea.

• Jaundice. Symptoms of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice could be caused by other things including hepatitis, which is also a major risk factor. Jaundice can be caused by blocked bile ducts from a malignant pancreatic tumor, or by a less serious gallstone which could prevent bile fluids from getting to the intestines.
• Pain in the Upper Abdomen and Back. Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back could be a symptom. Pain would occur when a tumor places pressure on organs and/or nerves in the area. The pain could either be constant or intermittent and intensified after eating. It is important to note that these symptoms could be caused by many things and could also be symptomatic of a heat ailment.
• Chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. A chronic form, which is often recurring, is usually caused by excessive use of alcohol or is hereditary. It is a serious symptom of pancreatic cancer. The acute form of pancreatitis is generally caused by gallstones and is not generally linked to cancer of the pancreas.
• Digestive problems and unexplained weight loss. Losing weight or lack of appetite without an explained reason could be a symptom. When digestive enzymes are not produced by the pancreas, digestion does not extract nutrients from food. Foods with high-fat content may be difficult to digest. Lack of enzyme production can also cause pains in the mid abdomen area.
• Nausea or vomiting. When a tumor blocks the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.
• Diabetes. Having diabetes can be either a symptom of pancreatic cancer or the result of the cancerous tumor. Therefore, it could cause cancer of the pancreas or surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas will result in diabetes.
• Fatigue and lack of energy. Persistent fatigue can be attributed to many ailments, but it is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. It can occur at early or late stages of the disease and can be caused by both malignant and non-malignant tumors.
• Pale Stool and diarrhea. Many things can change stool color including medication and diet. Stools that are consistently clay-colored, caused by blockage of bile ducts can be a symptom as is diarrhea. Stool can often have a greasy look. Pancreatic cancer will reduce the ability of the pancreas to secrete fat-digesting enzymes. This will cause stool to float more than it normally would.
• Itching. Some people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer report experiencing body itching which may be caused by blockage of bile ducts.

When To Have Concern

Many illnesses and even minor medical conditions can be caused by the above potential symptoms and can be confusing. Also, pain felt in an area could be "referred pain" from an entirely different area. However, always discuss symptoms with your physician.

It is uncommon that cancer of the pancreas is discovered early when it is most treatable. Although such symptoms are vague and may only be of minor concern, you should always be observant. This is particularly true if you experience multiple symptoms and have multiple risk factors.

Missed diagnosis does happen. It is wise to get second opinions.

Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation does not intend to provide specific medical advice. It only provides general information to help users better understand their health. SMF urges all users to always consult with qualified physicians for any diagnosis or answers to specific questions.