Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The first signs of pancreatic cancer are often subtle and develop gradually over time. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, back pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. Other symptoms that may be present are fatigue, itchy skin, light-colored stools, and dark urine.
Abdominal Pain is often one of the first signs of pancreatic cancer, as the tumor can cause the pancreas to become inflamed and swollen. This can lead to pain in the upper abdomen, which is usually worse after eating or when lying down.
Back Pain may be caused by the tumor pressing against nearby nerves in the abdomen or back. The pain is usually dull and aching and can become more severe over time.
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a bile pigment that is produced by the liver and excreted through the bile duct. When the bile duct becomes blocked by a tumor, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, as the tumor can affect the body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. This can lead to a decrease in appetite and weight loss.
Nausea can be caused by the tumor blocking the bile duct, causing the bile to back up into the stomach and causing nausea.
Fatigue can also be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, as the body is not able to absorb nutrients properly, leading to a decrease in energy.
Itchy Skin can be caused by jaundice, as the build-up of bilirubin can cause the skin to become itchy.
Light-Colored Stools and Dark Urine can be caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the body, as the pigment is normally secreted through the bile duct. When the bile duct is blocked, the pigment can accumulate in the body, leading to changes in the color of the stool and urine.