10 early warning signs of pancreatic cancer

Verified by Dr. Rajesh S. Shinde, Consultant HPB & G.I. Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.

The early warning signs of pancreatic cancer can be subtle and easily overlooked, as they often mimic symptoms of more common conditions. However, it’s important to be aware of these potential signs so that you can seek medical attention early if they occur. Here are some of the first warning signs of pancreatic cancer:

• Abdominal or back pain: Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the upper abdomen or back, which may radiate to the sides or lower back. The pain may be dull, achy, or sharp, and it may come and go or be constant.
• Jaundice: Jaundice is yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin; a waste product produced by the liver. Jaundice is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, as the cancer can block the bile duct, preventing bilirubin from being excreted from the body.
• Unexplained weight loss: Pancreatic cancer can cause sudden and unexplained weight loss, even if you’re not trying to lose weight. This is because cancer can interfere with the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes, which can lead to malnutrition.
• Loss of appetite: Pancreatic cancer can cause a loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness after eating very little. This is because cancer can interfere with the pancreas’s ability to produce hormones that regulate appetite.
• Light-colored stools: Pancreatic cancer can cause stools to appear light-colored, greasy, or floating. This is because cancer can block the bile duct, preventing bile from reaching the intestines. Bile is responsible for giving stools its brown color and helps to digest fat.
• Dark-colored urine: Pancreatic cancer can cause urine to appear dark or amber-colored. This is because the buildup of bilirubin in the body can spill over into the urine.
• Itching skin: Pancreatic cancer can cause widespread itching skin. This is because the buildup of bilirubin in the body can irritate the skin.
• New-onset diabetes or worsening diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can cause new-onset diabetes or make existing diabetes more difficult to control. Cancer can destroy the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.
• Blood clots: Pancreatic cancer can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in the legs or lungs. Cancer can release substances that promote blood clotting.

It’s important to note that not everyone with these symptoms will have pancreatic cancer. However, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or persistent. Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer can significantly improve the chances of survival.

Consult our expert, Dr. Rajesh S. Shinde, Consultant HPB & G.I. Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai for more details on pancreatic cancer. Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.