Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous, often fatal disease that affects the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.
The pancreas plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation by secreting enzymes that help break down food and hormones, including insulin.
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, making it difficult to treat effectively. Statistics show that the 5-year survival rate for this disease is only about 10%, making it one of the deadliest cancers.
Therefore, it is very important to know about the warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. In this article, we will learn about ten warning signs that require attention from doctors.
Staying informed and vigilant can often help you detect a disease early and improve your chances of successful treatment. Remember that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.
Warning
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The author is not a doctor and does not recommend self-medication or using unproven treatment methods. I remind you that contacting a doctor and following the recommendations of evidence-based medicine are the only correct solution in the fight against various diseases.
1. Dark urine
One of the first signs of pancreatic cancer may be dark urine. This is because the pancreas is connected to the liver and gallbladder through ducts that transport digestive enzymes and bile.
When the pancreas doesn't work properly due to cancer, it can cause bilirubin to build up in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down.
Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it through the digestive system. But when the pancreas is affected by cancer, it can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from being removed properly. As a result, bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing the urine to become dark or tea-colored.
It is important to remember that dark urine can also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration or taking certain medications.
- Additional sources of information used to write the article will be indicated down/ in the pinned comment. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
2. Fatty stool that "floats"
Another sign of pancreatic cancer may be the appearance of fatty stools.
The pancreas produces enzymes that help the body digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. When the pancreas is damaged by cancer, it can cause problems absorbing nutrients, especially fats.
As a result, the stool may become greasy and float on the surface of the water in the toilet bowl. This happens because undigested fats are lighter than water and tend to rise to the top.
The medical term for this condition is steatorrhea. In addition to the stool becoming oily and floating on the surface, it may also become pale in color and have a particularly foul odor.
This is because undigested fats can promote bacterial growth in the digestive tract, which leads to foul-smelling stool.
If you notice changes in the consistency or appearance of your stool that last more than a few days, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
3. Jaundice
Jaundice is another common sign of pancreatic cancer. It occurs due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood, which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
As we mentioned, bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed when red blood cells break down. When the pancreas is affected by cancer, it can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from being excreted normally. This causes bilirubin to build up in the blood and cause jaundice. This condition is called hyperbilirubinemia.
Jaundice is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer, so it should never be ignored.
It is important to note that this article does not provide diagnoses or claim that the reader may have any health problems.
The article is based on research findings, doctors' opinions and provides information for informational purposes only!
The beneficial properties of certain products are also written for informational purposes only, based on generally known data.
Please note that this article does not encourage the use of these products as a method of self-medication!
Any questions regarding health and dietary changes should only be discussed with your doctor in person.
4. Skin itching
In addition to jaundice, one of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be itchy skin. When bilirubin accumulates in the blood, the skin can itch and become irritated. Itching usually occurs on the arms and legs, but it can also appear on other parts of the body.
The medical term for this condition is "pruritus." The itching may be mild at first, but as the cancer progresses, it may become more severe. Sometimes the itching becomes so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities.
If you experience persistent itching that does not go away, it is important to see a doctor.
5. Formation of blood clots
Pancreatic cancer can increase the risk of blood clots. This is because cancer cells secrete substances that make blood more likely to clot. This condition is called hypercoagulability.
Blood clots can form in the legs (called deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (called pulmonary embolism). If not treated promptly, blood clots can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a blood clot include pain, swelling, and redness in the area where the clot has formed. If the clot is in the lungs, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.
If you experience any symptoms of a blood clot, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
It is worth noting that not all patients with pancreatic cancer develop blood clots, and not all patients with blood clots develop this particular type of cancer.
6. Inflamed gallbladder
Pancreatic cancer can cause inflammation and enlargement of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located next to the pancreas. It stores bile produced by the liver.
When the pancreas is affected by cancer, it can block the bile ducts. This causes bile to accumulate in the gallbladder. This causes the organ to become inflamed and painful to the touch. The medical name for this condition is cholecystitis.
A distended gallbladder can cause abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side. The pain can be severe and radiate to the back or right shoulder. Nausea, vomiting, and fever may also occur.
If you notice signs of gallbladder swelling, it’s important to see your doctor right away. They may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to see your gallbladder and determine the cause of your symptoms.
7. Sudden and unintentional weight loss
If the pancreas is not working properly, it can cause problems absorbing nutrients, which can lead to weight loss. Cancer cells require a lot of energy to grow and spread, so the body may start burning calories faster than usual.
Because of this, people with pancreatic cancer may lose weight even if they eat the same amount as before. The amount of weight loss varies, but it is usually more than 5% of body weight over 6 to 12 months. For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds (70 kg) may lose more than 4 pounds (2 kg) without much effort.
Other factors, such as stress, thyroid disease, or other cancers, can also cause unintentional weight loss. However, if you notice unexplained weight loss along with other signs of pancreatic cancer, it is important to see your doctor for advice.
8. Loss of appetite
Pancreatic cancer can cause loss of appetite. As the tumor grows and spreads, it puts pressure on the stomach and other organs of the digestive system, causing a feeling of fullness.
In addition, cancer cells release substances that affect the body's metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones such as ghrelin and leptin.
As a result, people with pancreatic cancer may experience a decrease in appetite, even if they haven't eaten for several hours. They may also feel full after eating only a small amount of food.
Loss of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss and poor eating habits, which can further weaken the body and make it harder to fight cancer.
9. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The tumor grows and spreads, putting pressure on the stomach and other digestive organs. This causes nausea and the urge to vomit.
In addition, cancer cells secrete substances that irritate the lining of the digestive tract. This leads to inflammation and discomfort. Nausea and vomiting can be side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Sometimes nausea and vomiting are mild and intermittent, while other times they are severe and persistent.
10. Pain in the abdomen and back
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that can also cause abdominal and back pain. When a tumor is present, the organs and nerves under pressure can cause discomfort and pain.
Symptoms, such as a dull or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen and back, may worsen as the disease progresses. The pain may be especially noticeable after eating, since the pancreas is involved in digestion.
If the pancreas is not functioning properly, it can cause enzymes to build up and irritate the digestive tract, causing pain and discomfort. In addition to pain, other symptoms may include bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.
Persistent abdominal or back pain despite pain medication requires consultation with your physician due to the possibility of pancreatic cancer.
Seeking medical attention early and recognizing the warning signs of this disease can improve the chances of successful treatment.
It is important to remember that in addition to pancreatic cancer, there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as pancreatitis, gallstones, and liver disease.
If you have severe or persistent symptoms, you should consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle, having regular medical checkups, and knowing the possible warning signs of pancreatic cancer can help ensure early detection and effective treatment of this disease.
Spreading information about the signs and methods of preventing cancer will help keep those around you healthy.
Let's summarize what has been written
Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease characterized by low survival rates and is often diagnosed at late stages, making effective treatment difficult.
This article reveals ten warning signs that may indicate the development of cancer of this organ. From dark urine and greasy stools to jaundice, itchy skin, blood clots, inflamed gall bladder, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and back pain, all these signs require attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Remember that seeking medical attention early and recognizing the warning signs of pancreatic cancer are key to improving your chances of successful treatment.
However, it is important to keep in mind that pancreatic cancer symptoms can also occur with other diseases, so a consultation with a qualified doctor is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.
An active commitment to a healthy lifestyle, regular medical checkups, and knowledge of possible warning signs of pancreatic cancer will play an important role in the fight against this disease.
Remember that your health is your most valuable asset, so be vigilant, informed and do not delay in contacting a specialist if alarming symptoms appear.
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Additional sources of information used to write this article:
[1] Goral V. Pancreatic cancer: pathogenesis and diagnosis. Asian Cancer Pac J Prev. 2015;16(14):5619–24. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.14.5619.
[2] Ansari D, Tingstedt B, Andersson B, Holmqvist F, Sturesson K, Williamsson K, Sasor A, Borg D, Bauden M, Andersson R. Pancreatic cancer: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Future Oncol. 2016 Aug;12(16):1929-46. doi: 10.2217/fon-2016-0010.
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Pancreatic cancer staging.
[4] Zhang L, Sanagapalli S, Stoa A. Diagnosis challenges in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol. 2018 May 21;24(19):2047-2060. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i19.2047.
[5] McGuigan A, Kelly P, Turkington RK, Jones S, Coleman HG, McCain RS. Pancreatic cancer: a review of clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and outcome . World J Gastroenterol. 2018 Nov 21;24(43):4846-4861. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i43.4846.
[6] Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pancreatic cancer support groups.
