Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often barely noticeable or could be associated with other medical conditions. Early cancer of the pancreas often does not cause any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. As the pancreatic tumor grows larger, you may notice one or more of these common symptoms:
Abdominal and Back Pain
Pain in the upper abdomen (belly) or persistent mid-back is common. This is often due to the tumor pressing against the surrounding organs and nerves. This symptom is fairly common and often overlooked which is why we encourage you to see a doctor if you have pain along with any of the other symptoms.
Jaundice and Related Symptoms
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin (a component of bile, produced by the liver) in the blood. Normally, bile is carried through the bile duct into the intestines to help breakdown fats and is expelled from the body in the stool. Pancreas tumors often obstruct the bile duct and cause a buildup of bilirubin. Other signs of jaundice include: dark urine, itchy skin, light-colored stools or stools that are greasy or float.
Nausea and Vomiting
The tumor may press on and partially block the stomach, making it difficult for food to pass through. This blockage can cause pain, nausea and vomiting that is often worse after eating.
Weight Loss or Poor Appetite
Unintended or drastic weight loss is common in pancreatic cancer. There may often be little to no appetite or a change in desired foods.
Digestive Issues
The pancreas plays an essential role in assisting with digestion and regulating blood sugar. Indigestion, poor appetite, nausea and changes in stool can all be symptoms of an issue with the pancreas. The pancreas tumor may block the pancreatic duct or cause changes to the production of pancreatic enzymes, causing digestive issues.
Advanced stages of cancer may also cause these general symptoms:
- Weakness or feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss (also called cancer cachexia)
These symptoms may be caused by pancreatic cancer or by other health problems. People with these symptoms should tell their doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. If the diagnosis is pancreatic cancer, we encourage you to find a medical center that specializes in pancreatic cancer treatment. You are not alone in this diagnosis, we are here to help.
