The pancreas is a large gland responsible for the production of digestive juices and hormones located in the top part of your tummy, just behind your stomach.
Pancreatic cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the pancreas as a result of abnormal growth of cells in this gland. It is the tenth most common cancer in the UK.
Sadly, it is rarely caught at an early stage since the symptoms are not manifested until it progresses beyond the point of early intervention.
It is usually when the cancer reaches more advanced stage that certain symptoms start to become noticeable. But even then, they can be vague and similar to those caused by a number of other conditions.
The symptoms vary depending on what part of the pancreas — the head, body or tail — the cancer develops in.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer is ductal adenocarcinoma which starts in the cells that produce digestive juices.
Some of the most common signs, as described by Cancer Research UK, are as follows:
Pain in the stomach or back
One of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer is pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by back pain. This pain is usually constant and dull. At the early stages, the pain may come and go, but as the tumor grows larger it tends to be more constant and last longer.
The reason for this pain is the location of the pancreas. It is located in the abdomen, close to the spine. As a tumor develops, it may put pressure on nerves or organs, causing pain that spreads to the back.
One of the things people notice is that the pain tends to worsen with meals or when lying down. It is interesting to note that some people find relief from the pain by leaning forward. This relieves pressure on the nerves. Because of this, the pain is usually attributed to digestive problems, muscle strain, or even stress.
The discomfort in the early stages might not be severe, and it is possible to neglect it. However, as the tumor grows in size, the pain becomes more severe and persistent. This is one of the major warning signs.
It is worth noting that not all abdominal pain is related to cancer. There are other possible reasons such as gastritis, ulcers, or gallstones. However, if the pain is persistent and not easily explainable, especially if it is associated with the back, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Jaundice
A number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting in the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver. In patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, jaundice occurs because of an obstruction in the bile duct due to cancerous tumor formation.
In addition to jaundice characterized by yellow skin and eye color, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer also includes dark urine, pale or greasy stool, and severe itching sensations. Interestingly enough, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer is painless.
For many, the first sign that something is seriously amiss is the appearance of jaundice, especially if the tumor is located at the head of the pancreas. This is because, being visually apparent, it is likely to prompt medical intervention sooner than other, less obvious, signs.
It is, however, worth noting that other, less serious, ailments can cause jaundice, including gallstones or liver problems. Nevertheless, if jaundice appears suddenly without an obvious cause, it is still considered an emergency.
The early detection of jaundice can, in some instances, result in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, which is vital due to the speed with which it can progress.
Weight loss
Losing significant amount of weight because of no apparent reason is one of the signs of cancer in general, including pancreatic cancer.
For pancreatic cancer, unexpected weight loss occurs for several reasons. Pancreatic cancer accelerates metabolism, causing the body to burn more calories than usual. At the same time, appetite is reduced. In addition, the pancreas fails to produce digestive enzymes, making it difficult for the body to digest food.
Some people also experience early satiety, which means they feel full even when they have only taken a little food. This reduces the amount of calories they take.
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems may also be a primary symptom of pancreatic cancer, as the pancreas secretes enzymes that help in the proper digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
When this process is interfered with by cancer, it may result in improper digestion, thereby causing bloating, nausea, and discomfort in the stomach after meals. The primary symptom may also include oily, greasy, and smelly stools that may float in the toilet bowl due to improper fat digestion.
Individuals may also experience indigestion, gas, and a heavy feeling in the stomach after meals, which may be interpreted as a symptom of commonly experienced health conditions such as acid reflux.
Although digestive problems are commonly experienced, it is advisable to seek medical attention in case of severe symptoms.
Bowel changes
Alterations in bowel movements can also be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, although this is not commonly recognized. This can manifest as diarrhea, constipation, pale, greasy, and foul-smelling stools.
One of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer is steatorrhea, which is characterized by fatty stools. This occurs when the body is unable to digest fat properly, as it is unable to produce pancreatic enzymes. This can manifest as stools that float, are oily, and have a tendency to leave a residue in the toilet.
The connection between bowel movements and pancreatic cancer can be explained by the role of the pancreas in the digestive process. When a tumor blocks the pancreatic duct, it interferes with the digestive process.
It is not uncommon for people experiencing changes in bowel movements to assume that they are experiencing common digestive issues.
