Are you experiencing painful, uncomfortable or unusual symptoms that you’re concerned might be something more serious? When it comes to your health, nothing is more important than paying attention to your body and noticing when something doesn’t feel right. If you’ve been experiencing abdominal pain, abnormal weight and appetite changes and other unusual symptoms, they could be signs of pancreatic cancer. From further indicative symptoms to when you should see a doctor, here’s what you need to know about pancreatic cancer.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Beginning in the tissue areas of the pancreas — located below your stomach in your abdomen — pancreatic cancer is a disease affecting the organ that regulates your blood sugar and digestion. Although it starts in the pancreas, this type of cancer can rapidly spread to surrounding organs and become a widespread problem.
Unfortunately, it’s not common for pancreatic cancer to be diagnosed in its early stages because its symptoms might not be easily detectable. If, however, you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatic cysts, regular screenings can help prevent or detect it early. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy or combined treatments.
Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer symptoms are sometimes difficult to identify as cancer. Often, they may not even appear until the condition is advanced. While having one or more of the symptoms alone does not necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer, it’s important to have your doctor check them and determine their cause. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Abdominal pain: Pancreatic cancer often grows large and begins to press on surrounding organs, which can cause back or belly pain that radiates up the spine.
- Depression: Pancreatic cancer can take its toll on your body and energy, causing you to feel disinterested or depressed.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and lasting fatigue can be key indicators of pancreatic cancer.
- Jaundice: One of the earliest symptoms of pancreatic cancer is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s caused by the cancerous growth pressing against the liver or bile duct, which produces the yellowish bilirubin substance. Dark urine is also a jaundice sign often linked to pancreatic cancer.
- Weight loss and appetite change: Pancreatic cancer can cause your appetite to decrease and diminish almost entirely. Unintended weight loss is also a common symptom.
- Blood clots: While most blood clots are caused by other health issues, pancreatic cancer can lead to clots in large veins, especially in the legs.
- Vomiting and nausea: The growth of pancreatic cancer can press against your stomach, making it difficult for food to come through and causing you to feel sick and vomit after eating.
- Liver enlargement: Sometimes pancreatic cancer can spread to the liver, causing it to become enlarged and leading to pain or discomfort.
- Diabetes: Because pancreatic cancer destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, it causes changes in your blood sugar levels, which can sometimes lead to diabetes.
When You Should See a Doctor for a Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis
If you’re experiencing unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, jaundice or other symptoms and signs, check in with your doctor. Any of the above symptoms may be caused by another health issue, but making an appointment can be crucial to catching pancreatic cancer.
To schedule an appointment for a pancreatic cancer prognosis, contact Dr. Mark Fraiman today.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Fraiman on March 21, 2019.
