The pancreas, a crucial organ situated behind the stomach, is where pancreatic cancer begins. Because it produces enzymes necessary for breaking down lipids, carbs, and proteins, the pancreas serves a crucial role in digestion.
Pancreatic cancer is sometimes not identified until it has progressed because of the position of the organ. Perhaps this is why most people with pancreatic cancer have only nonspecific symptoms. That delays their diagnosis until the illness has progressed to a point where survival is unlikely. However, if you think you could have pancreatic cancer, understanding a few of these early-stage symptoms might help you live.
1. Jaundice
High blood bilirubin levels or a clogged bile duct are the two most common causes of jaundice. The symptoms of jaundice are mild, but anybody experiencing them should consult a doctor very once.
There are a wide variety of different causes of jaundice, such as infections and liver disorders. Your doctor will probably look at these more plausible explanations before ordering any cancer testing.
2. Abdominal Pain
Most pancreatic cancer patients describe stomach pain as a constant, dull upper abdomen or back discomfort. Typically, this discomfort will start in the stomach and “wrap around” to the back.
Many individuals also say they experience a worsening of this ache after dark. Patients’ descriptions of the general area of their discomfort might help doctors check for tumors.
3. Rapid Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss without any change in diet or exercise habits is not a normal occurrence. If you are experiencing this symptom, consult a physician immediately. Pancreatic cancer causes rapid weight loss because the body cannot absorb nutrients properly.
When a tumor grows on the pancreas, the production of these enzymes slows down, resulting in the body’s inability to digest food correctly. It then leads to malnutrition.
4. Bloating
Pancreatic cancer patients often have abdominal and digestive system inflammation. Consequently, gas will increase rapidly after eating. These symptoms may also be accompanied by appetite loss, heartburn, and indigestion.
Tumors in the pancreas may strain the digestive system by pressing on the abdomen and stomach. Therefore, digestion is slowed down, and satiety is maintained for longer. You may start feeling nauseated, which can continue for longer durations.
5. Loss of Appetite (Anorexia)
Anorexia may be caused by anything from a stomach infection to an expanding tumor. Regardless, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Women who are expecting may find that they have less of an appetite throughout the first trimester.
You shouldn’t freak out if your lack of appetite is the only symptom you’re having. However, if it persists, you can follow up with your doctor.
6. Discolored Stools
When the tumor blocks a bile duct, feces might seem pale and clay-like. You may also notice a difference in its smell. There is a strong, unpleasant odor associated with bowel motions. It’s also possible to see blood in your poop.
The pancreatic cancer symptoms are unusual, and something else might happen. However, the cancer cannot be ruled out, especially if the signs have continued for a prolonged duration.
7. Dark Colored Urine
Cancer interferes with normal pancreatic function, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a waste product that is excreted from the body through urine.
When Its levels are elevated, it can cause the urine to darken. Additionally, urine odor might alter and even intensify with traces of blood in the urine.
8. Stomach Ache
Stomach ache is often a sign of digestive problems, but combined with other symptoms such as jaundice, it can indicate a more serious issue.
The aches are often felt in the upper abdomen. The pain may come and go, or it may be continuous. It may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The reason for stomach ache is due to the tumor growing and pressing against the surrounding organs.
9. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin inflammation condition that various things, such as pancreatic cancer, can cause. The skin is one of the organs that reflects the inner state of a person’s body. It comprises several layers and is the largest organ in the body.
The epidermal layer is the outermost layer. Some signs might appear on the coating when things go wrong, resulting in histamine release, which causes inflammation.
10. Nausea
It is typical for people with pancreatic cancer to have nausea. It happens due to the tumor’s enormous development, which clogs a section of the digestive system resulting in ineffective digestion. Heartburns might follow, resulting in a burning feeling in the throat after vomiting.
In most instances, severe nausea and vomiting won’t happen until the sickness has generally progressed. Typical side effects of nausea and vomiting include sudden decreased appetite.
11. Diabetes
Insulin synthesis is often hampered by pancreatic cancer, especially in more advanced stages. You will experience signs of tiredness, numb fingers, and eyesight problems. When you notice these symptoms for any apparent reason, it is time to check with your doctor.
The chance of getting pancreatic cancer is higher in those with long-standing type 2 diabetes by about 1.5% more. Obesity can also make you vulnerable to cancer.
12. Lower Back Pain
The American Cancer Society(ACS) reports that pancreatic cancer patients often have lower back and stomach discomfort. Usually, cancers that form in this region exhibit this sort of radiating pain. They can potentially metastasize and put pressure on surrounding organs like the liver
The growth of these malignancies may also obstruct the bile duct, leading to bile buildup. This buildup results in pressured nerves which may cause severe back discomfort.
13. Depression
Many patients claim they had mood swings before getting a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Some symptoms that they reported included hopelessness, thinking negatively, and troubled sleep.
The exact relationship between depression and cancer has not been established. However, some studies show that the two are often linked. For instance, Insight Medical Publishing stated that several of their patients had psychological symptoms months before the physical symptoms could manifest.
14. Blood Clots
Blood clots and pancreatic cancer don’t seem to be related. However, the ACS stated that Deep vein thrombosis may be the first indication that someone has this cancer. It is usually characterized by redness and swellings in the afflicted limb.
The clot might move from the vein in the leg and make its way to the lungs. That results in pulmonary embolism, which might cause chest discomfort and difficulty breathing.
15. Leg Swelling
Blood clots are not the only possible cause of leg swelling; ascites are another possibility. Ascites result in an accumulation of excess fluid in the belly that causes swelling. They often develop when pancreatic cancer has advanced to other body areas.
The effects may be felt in the abdomen region and legs. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network suggests elevating your feet as you relax to facilitate fluid drainage.
16. Fatigue
There are several potential causes of fatigue, such as failing to get enough rest or being dehydrated. It might also be a symptom of something more severe, like pancreatic cancer.
Fatigue might be a direct outcome of the illness or a sign of other conditions like this cancer. For instance, you can feel exhausted from insufficient nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas’s ability to produce enzymes, leading to indigestion.
17. Fever and Chills
Fever and chills may be symptoms of pancreatic cancer, but they are often overlooked because people assume they point to another illness.
However, pancreatic cancer patients often experience fever and chills as their bodies react to the inflammation caused by the disease. It could also be a sign that the tumor is blocking the bile ducts, which might cause an infection that the body raises its fever to fight.
18. Swollen Gallbladder
An enlarged gallbladder might be a sign of pancreatic cancer. If the malignancy stops the bile duct, the gallbladder may enlarge. Such a condition could also result in severe back pains.
Doctors may detect this condition visually or through imaging studies. The lamp always appears as a big bulge on the right side of the rib cage.
19. Enlargement of the Liver
Pancreatic cancer may cause swelling of the liver and gallbladder. This enlargement of the liver is referred to as hepatomegaly. If this occurs, a mass may form in the upper right region of the abdomen.
It is an unfavorable indicator that pancreatic cancer might have moved to the liver. The liver is a vital organ that performs various essential functions, including processing nutrients and filtering toxins from the blood.
20. No Symptoms at the Early Stage
Early identification of pancreatic cancer might be challenging. It is because most individuals with cancer don’t notice anything wrong until the disease has progressed significantly. Knowing your risk level is the first step in getting an early diagnosis.
Although a family history of the illness increases a person’s risk, anybody is at risk for developing this malignancy. If you notice any symptoms, it’s time to go for a checkup.
