What are the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer? How do they differ based on tumor location? What other conditions can these symptoms resemble? Get answers to these questions and more in this detailed article.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease, as it often goes undetected until the later stages. However, understanding the common symptoms associated with this condition can help in early detection and improved prognosis. In this article, we will explore the various symptoms of pancreatic cancer, how they are influenced by the tumor’s location, and how they can resemble other medical conditions.

The Impact of Tumor Location on Symptoms

The location of the tumor within the pancreas can significantly impact the type and timing of symptoms experienced by the patient. For example, if the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas, it may obstruct the bile duct, leading to the development of jaundice symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and pale, greasy stools. On the other hand, if the tumor is in the body or tail of the pancreas, pain and weight loss may be more prominent.

Another important factor is the time it takes for the tumor to present with symptoms. Tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas may take longer to manifest symptoms, allowing the tumor to grow or metastasize before it is detected.

Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The most common symptoms of exocrine pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic adenocarcinoma, include:

Stomach and Back Pain

A common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain in the upper abdomen and/or middle or upper back that comes and goes. This pain is often caused by a tumor in the body or tail of the pancreas, as it can press on the spine.

Jaundice

Jaundice, a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a symptom caused by a tumor in the head of the pancreas that blocks the bile duct. Other jaundice symptoms include dark urine, pale and greasy stools, and itchy skin.

Weight Loss

Unintentional and significant weight loss is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, often indicating that something is wrong in the body.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems

Pancreatic cancer can cause various GI-related symptoms, such as loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating or swelling, as the tumor presses on the stomach or other parts of the digestive system.

Fatigue

Extreme and unexplained tiredness may be a sign of pancreatic cancer, but it is also a common symptom of other conditions. Nevertheless, it should not be ignored.

Diabetes

In some cases, pancreatic cancer can trigger the sudden onset of diabetes or late-onset diabetes without an obvious cause. This is because the cancer can destroy the cells that produce insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Symptoms that Resemble Other Conditions

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be similar to those of other medical problems, which can further delay diagnosis. Patients may look back and realize that various seemingly unrelated or unremarkable symptoms were actually a sign of the underlying condition.

It is important to listen to your body and consult with your doctor about any new symptoms, even if you think they can be easily explained. While cancer is probably not the cause, diagnostic tests can help confirm the underlying condition.

Early Detection Remains Crucial

Catching pancreatic cancer early is challenging, as patients often do not experience the signs of the disease until it has progressed or spread. This makes long-term prognosis and survival rates much lower compared to other types of cancer. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant about any new or persistent symptoms and to work closely with your healthcare team to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, how they are influenced by the tumor’s location, and how they can resemble other medical conditions is crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes. By being aware of these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention, individuals can increase the chances of catching this disease in its early stages, when treatment options are more effective.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Catching pancreatic cancer early is challenging because patients rarely
experience the signs of pancreatic cancer until the disease has progressed
or spread. Therefore, pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at later
stages, making long-term prognosis and survival rates much lower than other
cancers. Experiencing several common symptoms may indicate pancreatic
cancer at an advanced stage or an unrelated medical condition.

Tumor Location Impacts Symptoms

The location of the tumor in the pancreas affects the types of symptoms and how soon they might start to show. For example, jaundice symptoms may appear when the tumor obstructs the head of the pancreas.

If the tumor is in the body or tail of the pancreas, pain and weight loss might be more likely. Pancreatic cancer in the body or tail can also take longer to present with symptoms, allowing the tumor more time to grow or metastasize before it’s found.  

Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

The following are the most common signs of exocrine pancreatic cancer—specifically for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in the ducts of the pancreas and represents more than 90 percent of all diagnoses. Neuroendocrine tumors are much less common and may present different symptoms.

Patients may experience symptoms differently and should not expect to manifest all symptoms listed.

Stomach and Back Pain

A common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain in the upper abdomen (belly) and/or middle or upper back that comes and goes. This is probably caused by a tumor that has formed in the body or tail of the pancreas because it can press on the spine.

Some patients describe pain starting in the middle abdomen and radiating into the back. Pain can be worse when lying down and can often be relieved by leaning forward. Pancreatic cancer pain can differ from person to person, so be sure to discuss any new pain-related symptoms  with your doctor.  

Jaundice

While many pancreatic cancer symptoms are first attributed to something else (e.g., gastrointestinal issues or stress), symptoms caused by jaundice usually can’t be ignored. Jaundice in pancreatic cancer is painless and occurs when the tumor in the head of the pancreas blocks the bile duct, causing symptoms such as:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark urine
• Pale, greasy stools that float in the toilet
• Pruritus (itchy skin)

Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss or significant, unexplained weight loss is usually a sign that something is wrong in the body. Weight loss is one of the more common symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems

Some GI-related pancreatic cancer symptoms can be caused by the tumor pressing on the stomach or other parts of the digestive system as the tumor spreads. These may include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness may be a sign of pancreatic cancer, but it’s also a common sign of other conditions. Either way, unexplained fatigue should not be ignored.

Diabetes

When an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer does occur, it’s usually because it was caught by a medical imaging scan for another condition or another suspicious diagnosis such as diabetes.

Pancreatic cancer may trigger sudden onset diabetes unrelated to weight gain or late onset diabetes without an obvious cause. Pancreatic cancer can destroy the cells that make insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise. While cancer is most likely not the culprit, a patient with a new and suspicious diabetes diagnosis should be evaluated to rule out pancreatic cancer.

Meet Our Pancreatic Cancer Experts

Our team is a world leader in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic
cancer, leading all institutions in novel therapies and innovative clinical
trials.

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Symptoms that Resemble Other Conditions

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be similar to those of other conditions or medical problems, which can delay diagnosis even further. Upon diagnosis, patients often look back and start to make a connection between various symptoms that seemed unrelated or unremarkable at the time.

Listen to your body and consult with your doctor about any new symptoms you may be experiencing, even if you think they can be explained. While cancer is probably not the culprit, diagnostic tests can help to confirm the case.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms | Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

The symptoms listed below are some of the main signs of pancreatic cancer. Often, if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, the cause is not cancer. But if you have persistent or worsening symptoms that are not usual for you, then you should visit your GP or call NHS 111 to investigate. You may not have all these symptoms and they may come and go, varying in severity.

Click on each of these pancreatic cancer symptoms to find out:

What should I do if I am experiencing pancreatic cancer symptoms?

It is important to remember these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome or indigestion, and aren’t usually the result of cancer.

However, if you or a loved one regularly experience one or more of these identified pancreatic cancer symptoms which are not normal for you, do not ignore them, contact your GP straight away.

Jaundice

Jaundice is common in people with pancreatic cancer. It develops when the bile duct becomes blocked by the tumour and yellow pigment (bilirubin) that is normally excreted (passed) builds up in the body. Jaundice may be painless, but it can be very itchy and irritating. It can also make the skin feel hot and uncomfortable leading to itchiness; this is called pruritis. Jaundice can also cause nausea and vomiting as well as digestive problems and tiredness.

How do I know I have this?

The most obvious sign is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes: Jaundice may also cause your urine to be dark yellow and/or itching of the skin. You should seek urgent medical advice if you are worried that you have the signs of jaundice. You will need to be referred for tests to identify the cause. NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines suggest that anyone with jaundice should be investigated further.

More information on jaundice in pancreatic cancer patients.

Upper abdominal pain or discomfort

Abdominal (tummy) pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms and one of the first symptoms to often present itself.

The pain or discomfort can be caused by the tumour invading nerves or organs that lie near the pancreas. The pain or discomfort is usually felt above the belly button and below the breast area (called the epigastric region). However, some patients report they have pain and discomfort without a specific location.

Having tummy pain or discomfort is a common symptom for many diseases and does not mean you have pancreatic cancer. However, if this is new and unusual for you or combined with other symptoms you should visit your GP to check.

Mid-back pain or discomfort

The pain can be caused by a tumour invading nerves or organs that lie near the pancreas. Some people also report that they feel pain in their shoulder or under their shoulder blade. Other people feel pain in their back and abdomen (tummy) at the same time.

Back pain is experienced by people in the population and having mid-back pain does not mean you have pancreatic cancer. However, if you are experiencing mid back pain (in the region just below your shoulder blades) that is not normal for you, there is no harm in checking with your GP – especially if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms described here. If you are experiencing any of the other symptoms described here, you should tell your GP to reinforce your concern of pancreatic cancer.

Changes in bowel habit

People with pancreatic cancer sometimes experience constipation (when your stools are very firm and difficult to pass, sometimes accompanied by stomach pain) or diarrhoea (passing of watery stools more than 3 times a day). Stools can also be large, pale, smelly and float. This is because there is too much fat in the stool as food is not digested properly.

Constipation and diarrhoea are quite common. However, if a change in your bowels keeps happening or lasts longer than a week, discuss this with your GP. It does not mean you have pancreatic cancer but is important to investigate and your GP may be able to resolve your symptoms easily.

Indigestion

After you eat or drink you may feel a burning or uncomfortable feeling in your chest. This may be accompanied by feeling or being sick or you may feel bloated and repeatedly burp or pass wind. Most people experience this from time to time and it is not something to worry about. However, if indigestion continues despite treatment from a pharmacy or your GP it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

The above symptoms are signs of indigestion. If you keep having this, and it is unusual for you or you are experiencing it alongside other symptoms described here, discuss this with your GP. If treatments for indigestion are not working, it is also important to discuss this with your doctor.

Loss of appetite

This is when you don’t really feel like eating, or you feel full after eating only a very small amount of food.

Loss of appetite does not mean you have pancreatic cancer; it is a common symptom of many diseases. Many of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can cause loss of appetite. But these are often not due to cancer. For example, constipation, weight loss or vomiting and diarrhoea. However, if you experience this, together with any of these other symptoms, it is worth going to your GP to try to find out the cause.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea (feeling sick) is when you feel uneasy, discomfort and disgust towards food like your stomach is churning. Sometimes you can also have a mild headache feeling. Vomiting is when you uncontrollably release the contents of your stomach out of your mouth. Often these symptoms will pass in a few days and are not anything to worry about.

If this is not normal for you and keeps happening, this may be something to start being aware of and monitor. Using our symptoms diary may be helpful and you can show this to your GP.

Diabetes

Diabetes is when the body is not regulating its blood sugar levels properly. When we eat, the pancreas makes enzymes and hormones to digest food and sugar (glucose) is produced. Blood sugar levels are regulated by insulin, a hormone generated in the pancreas. If your body cannot use its own insulin effectively, type 2 diabetes develops. Your blood sugar becomes too high.

If your type 2 diabetes has developed recently and cannot be explained by your lifestyle or diet (you are not overweight), it can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients have reported developing diabetes up to two years before pancreatic cancer was diagnosed.

What are the signs you may have diabetes?

• Urinating more often than usual, particularly at night
• Extreme tiredness/ fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
• Blurred vision
• Itching around the penis or vagina and frequent episodes of thrush

Diabetes is not always a symptom of pancreatic cancer; the two diseases are linked but exactly how remains unclear. However, if you do have any of the symptoms of diabetes it is still important to see your GP as untreated diabetes can be a risk to your health. Pancreatic cancer can also cause type 3c diabetes which may be misdiagnosed as type 2. This is diabetes caused by damage to the pancreas, such as surgery.

Fatigue

This is when you feel very tired or exhausted most, if not all, of the time. This can be described as a lack of energy and motivation (physical and mental). It also does not go away with sleep, and people describe it as different to tiredness they have experienced before.

Fatigue can be a consequence of many medical conditions, such as depression, as well as cancer. Fatigue can also range in its severity. If your fatigue is not normal for you and is not being caused by a stressful or upsetting period in your life this may be a sign of cancer, and you may wish to discuss this with your GP.

Unexplained weight loss

This is often one of the first problems patients tell their doctors about.  Losing weight is cause for concern if it was unintentional or you do not know why it has happened.  The unexpected weight loss associated with pancreatic cancer can occur without any pain or apparent change in digestion. You may have a good appetite but still be losing weight.

How do I know if I have this?

You may be able to tell if you have lost weight without weighing yourself on scales. If clothing or jewellery feels loose or people comment on your weight loss. Unexpected weight loss can be a sign of several diseases, so you should see your GP to investigate why this is happening to you.  Guidelines suggest that those over 60 with weight loss and any of the following should be sent for a CT scan:

• Diarrhoea, back pain,
• Abdominal pain,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Constipation,
• Diabetes that has developed recently.

If this applies to you, it is important you see your GP to investigate the cause.

We may all experience these symptoms from time to time but what is important is the combination of symptoms we experience. If you are experiencing a variety of these symptoms simultaneously, it is important to relay this to your GP or health professional to reinforce why you are concerned about pancreatic cancer. Try our symptoms diary to track your symptoms as evidence for your GP here.  

COVID-19 update: If you have the pancreatic cancer symptoms and are referred for scans or other diagnostic tests, you may find that your waiting time increases. Doctors will be working to prioritise testing for people who are most at risk, but some procedures to diagnose pancreatic cancer such as endoscopies may be cancelled in the short term. If you are worried about this, or your symptoms get worse, please contact your doctor.

Investigating pancreatic cancer symptoms

Investigating pancreatic cancer can be a complex process. If you are concerned about your symptoms, it may be helpful for you and your GP to track your symptoms using our symptom diary.

When your GP examines you, they may look for jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), feel your tummy and send blood or urine samples to be analysed. If your symptoms include abdominal (tummy) pain, weight loss and jaundice together then you should be referred to the hospital as urgent. This does not mean that you certainly have pancreatic cancer, but your symptoms need to be investigated quickly.

Testing for pancreatic cancer

Once you have been referred to the hospital, you may encounter several healthcare professionals (e.g., oncologists, specialist nurses, radiologists) who each ask for more tests, your personal history and ask you many questions.

This helps to decide what tests you may need. Often people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed after visiting an accident and emergency department. This may be because your symptoms have deteriorated quickly or started very suddenly.

Whether you are investigated for pancreatic cancer through a GP referral or the hospital, the diagnosis is similar. You will be referred to a gastroenterologist or another specialist to carry out tests and try and find out what is causing your symptoms.

Click here for diagnosis investigations into pancreatic cancer symptoms in more detail.

Waiting for results

Waiting for test results can be a nervous time and fear of the unknown is understandable and perfectly normal. You may feel anxious and afraid, but you may also feel in denial, numb or guilty that you put off going to the doctors for too long and now may be seriously ill.

You may imagine the worst-case scenario and worry about how your friends and family may cope. Waiting, especially for a long time, is a difficult experience and the lack of control over your life can cause serious stress and anxiety. Some people say that waiting is the hardest part, in fact, research has shown that waiting for test results or a diagnosis makes people feel worse.

How to cope during this time of uncertainty depends on you as a person but there are ways of dealing with things to support you whilst you wait. 

• It may help you to remember to live in the moment and focus on what you know now and not what might happen next.
• You could try to find out as much about the possibilities as you can to feel empowered about what is happening to you.
• Keeping distracted can take your mind off waiting through helping others, physical exercise or hobbies you enjoy may help.
• When you do have appointments, it may help to bring someone else along with you. They may remember symptoms, questions, and information that you have not.
• Finally, it is important to realise that your feelings are completely normal. You are not being irrational or unreasonable. You are going through a difficult time, and you are encouraged to take time for yourself whenever you need it.

Try to keep communicating with friends and loved ones about how you feel. It will help you feel less alone, and it is likely that they are experiencing many of the same feelings as you.

Pancreatic Cancer Action publishes patient information booklets about pancreatic cancer and its treatment at different stages. This information will help you to understand your diagnosis, and what happens next.

Click here to view our patient information booklets, for more information on pancreatic cancer symptoms, diagnosis, chemotherapy & more.

Why does the pancreas hurt? – Article I Clinic for Evidence-Based Medicine NEPLACEBO

Author –
Lukankina Irina Aleksandrovna

09/08/2022

Some knowledge of anatomy and the experience of friends or acquaintances allow us to understand: with pain in the abdomen, it may turn out that the pancreas hurts.

Indeed, one of the symptoms of pancreatic diseases can be pain of varying intensity. The most common disease of the pancreas is pancreatitis or, in other words, inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is acute and chronic.

In acute pancreatitis, the pain is severe, often not only in the upper abdomen, but also spreads to the back. The pain may be constant or increasing. May be temporarily quiet. Nausea and vomiting are often present. Sometimes body temperature may be elevated.

In chronic pancreatitis, pain may be less intense and may occur in attacks. Sometimes, in addition to pain, there may be bloating and loose stools, as well as weight loss and general weakness.

According to the observations of the therapists of the “Non-placebo” clinic, the diagnosis of “chronic pancreatitis” in our country sounds unreasonably often.

Let’s see what else can cause abdominal pain:

• Sphincter of Oddi spasm. This is such a “gateway” of muscles, which is located in the duodenum. The pancreatic duct and the common bile duct pass through it, thus regulating the release of enzymes necessary for digestion. Abdominal pain, as a rule, is associated with an error in nutrition, for example, when combining fatty foods with alcohol. It is important to understand that sometimes the cause of the pain may be pancreatitis, and sometimes a spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, but the treatment will be different.
• Functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease is an abnormal reflux of food from the stomach into the esophagus. Sometimes it can also be accompanied by heartburn or belching, and sometimes only pain in the upper abdomen.
• Gastric ulcer.
• Tumors of the pancreas.
• Cholelithiasis, including bile duct stones.

Correct diagnosis and treatment of the pancreas is impossible without a competent doctor and laboratory tests. You can take tests and apply for an appointment with a gastroenterologist in Voronezh at the “Neplacebo” clinic. Reception is conducted by adults and children’s specialists.

https://vk.com/laskovayamama?w=wall-42374799_13765

https://www.msdmanuals.com/ru/professional/diseases-of-the-gastrointestinal-tract/pancreatitis/chronic-pancreatitis?query=pancreatitis

https://www.msdmanuals.com/en/professional/gastrointestinal-diseases/pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis?query=pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis: symptoms and prevention

Sudden pains in the upper abdomen, radiating to the left and back, weakness, stool disorders, nausea, vomiting and the first thought is “I must have eaten something wrong!”. And these may be signs of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, its manifestations, as well as the causes, can be very diverse.

The most common symptom of pancreatitis is pain. It can be different – sharp, unbearable, cutting and dull, aching. It may simply feel like heaviness, while you want to lie down, press your knees to your stomach and it seems to become easier. The pain can be above or at the level of the navel, give to the left or right, sometimes in the back. Rarely, but still there is painless pancreatitis. The nature of pain in pancreatitis depends on the degree of damage to the gland, the degree of development of inflammation, concomitant conditions.

A characteristic sign of pain in pancreatitis is its girdle character. Sometimes the sensations may resemble shackling with a hoop, the pain intensifies when lying down, when eating, and can last for a long time. Painkillers don’t always help.

A reasonable question arises: how to prevent the development of pancreatitis?

Among the main causes of the development of the disease, doctors single out pancreatitis in violation of the outflow of bile (with cholelithiasis), pancreatitis against the background of damaging effects on the pancreas of toxic substances, drugs, alcohol (especially low-quality), overeating and eating low-quality food.

There are other causes of pancreatitis that we can prevent on our own. A lot has already been said about the dangers of alcohol. I just want to emphasize that alcohol has a toxic and damaging effect not only on the stomach and liver, as many people think, but also on the whole body as a whole. The pancreas is the first to suffer from the toxic effects of alcohol. The degree of toxic damaging effect of alcohol on the pancreas depends not only on the strength and amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the quality of alcohol, the nature and amount of food consumed at the same time. The pancreas does not like overeating and gluttony, especially against the background of alcohol, if it is combined with the use of fatty meats or fish, smoked meats, hot spices and dishes, barbecue and fried sausages, marinades and pickles.

In general, our taste preferences, diet and diet affect not only well-being, but also the prevention of diseases of the digestive system as a whole.

Many of us have no doubt that poor-quality food or eating disorders can lead to diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and even intestines.

However, doctors include other organs that are also involved in digestion, including the liver and pancreas, to the human digestive system. With improper nutrition, these organs also suffer.

Doctors warn: over the past 10 years, the diagnosis of pancreatitis has been established three times more often, while young people of 30-40 years of age are at risk. Unfortunately, pancreatitis has become more common in adolescents.

One of the main reasons for the sharp increase in cases, doctors consider an overabundance of food containing a large amount of fats and carbohydrates, frequent consumption of fast food. Products containing trans fats, dyes and preservatives in large quantities can have a damaging effect on the pancreas. Foods and dishes high in fat and “fast” carbohydrates, convenience foods, pastries, carbonated drinks and sweets, if consumed excessively, can provoke the development of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis can develop acutely, and then it usually begins with severe pain. Pancreatitis often goes into a chronic form with periodic exacerbations.

We often do not pay attention to the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract: heaviness in the abdomen after eating, bloating, stool disorders, nausea, we attribute this to gastritis or nutritional errors. And these may be signs of pancreatitis.

The development of pancreatitis can also lead to following illiterate diets, without examination and consultation with a doctor. After winter, many seek to lose weight and return to slender forms. The Internet is full of information that is easy to get lost in.

Many diets, especially “hard” diets, can put an increased burden on the pancreas and lead to unpleasant consequences.

How to recognize that something is wrong with the pancreas?

Important for assessing the health of the gland is the assessment of its work: the determination of enzymes – amylase, lipase, elastase in the blood. An important parameter of the work of the gland is the assessment of the level of glucose in the blood. This indicator is measured in the morning on an empty stomach. It shows the content of glucose in the blood right now, that is, at the same time. However, there is such an indicator as glycated (glycosylated) hemoglobin. This indicator estimates the average content of glucose in the blood over a long period (3-4 months). In some cases, it is also necessary to examine liver enzymes, these two organs are physiologically interconnected.

In the prevention of diseases of the pancreas, the restructuring of the diet is important. It is necessary to avoid long breaks between meals, prolonged fasting with subsequent overeating. This will reduce the load on the gland. There is a certain diet that is aimed at eliminating foods that can provoke acute pancreatitis or exacerbate existing chronic pancreatitis. In diseases of the pancreas, dishes from low-fat varieties of meat and fish, steam cutlets, mashed potatoes and omelettes, vegetable soups, unsweetened compotes and fruit drinks, low-fat sour-milk products are recommended.