Feeling fatigued? Losing your appetite? Afraid you may have pancreatic cancer? The following are 10 signs of pancreatic cancer that you need to know.
The pancreas is a small organ that’s surrounded by the gallbladder, stomach, liver, spleen, and small intestine. It is six inches long, has the form of a flattened pear, and helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation.
While rare, pancreatic cancer affects about 56,000 people in the U.S. every year. Like with other forms of cancer, methods such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are part of the treatment process. If you’re feeling some of the following symptoms, then check with your doctor so they can rule out pancreatic cancer – or diagnose it early to improve the prognosis.
1. Appetite Loss
While the loss of appetite is an early warning sign for various conditions, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Instead, pay attention to the details. Do you feel full after taking just a couple of bites? If so, and there’s no other explanation, it’s time to see a doctor.
2. Fatigue
Another symptom of pancreatic cancer is feeling extremely tired. However, if any part of the body is not functioning properly, other body parts compensate and leave you fatigued. Be aware of any other symptoms, as these coupled with fatigue can be a sign of a greater problem.
3. Abdominal Pain
You can experience abdominal pain as a result of an injury or even lying in bed the wrong way. If you’re wondering if it’s a sign of pancreatic cancer, then consider the specific area it’s covering.
While it can affect any part of your abdominal region, it usually concentrates on the mid-portion of your abdomen. The pain may feel vague at first but will begin to get worse and even radiate to the back as the cancer progresses.
4. Bowel Movement Changes
One of the signs of pancreatic cancer is the blockage of digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines. As a result, you’ll find it difficult to digest foods that are high in fat, which leads to bowel movements that smell weird, are pale in color, and tend to float. Moreover, blood in your intestines can cause dark stools.
5. Weight Loss
Another effect of lacking enough pancreatic enzymes is the inability to properly digest the fat in the food you eat. Since the pancreas is not functioning effectively, it can lead to unexpected weight loss for many people with pancreatic cancer. Still, keep in mind that there are other ways you can lose weight unexpectedly.
6. Diabetes Symptoms
According to studies, a good amount of individuals with pancreatic cancer also had diabetes prior to showing visible signs of cancer. Moreover, if you’re over 50 and are experiencing new-onset diabetes symptoms, it may be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. While diabetes may not directly lead to pancreatic cancer, it is possible to have diabetes symptoms at the early cancer stages since the pancreas is in charge of making insulin.
7. Jaundice
Tumors can create blockages wherever they are. In the case of pancreatic tumors, any size of growth can block the head of the pancreas. As a result, your body can experience bile buildup and jaundice.
In other words, if your skin starts turning yellow, it may be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The yellow tint can be hardly detectable or can be very distinctive. Jaundice can also cause yellowing in the eyes and nails.
8. Itchiness
Whether it’s light or severe, itchy skin can be an early sign of cancer in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer can cause bile buildup, which then releases certain chemicals that lead to itchiness.
Of course, there are multiple causes for itchy skin like switching laundry detergent, having an allergic reaction, or getting bit by a bug. However, you should definitely go see a doctor if the itchiness is chronic or if it becomes intense.
9. Enlarged Gallbladder
The bile buildup that leads to jaundice happens as a result of the bile duct becoming enlarged. In addition to enlarging your bile duct, pancreatic cancer can result in an enlarged gallbladder. In fact, many people seek medical advice only after they experience an enlarged gallbladder.
To determine if you have this abnormality, doctors can order an imaging test or may even be able to identify it during a physical exam. Keep in mind that while you should always seek out medical advice if you have an enlarged gallbladder, the condition is not always a result of pancreatic cancer.
10. Taste Change
Pancreatic cancer can sometimes lead to changes in your tastebuds – especially the taste of tobacco and alcohol. For instance, lifelong smokers who have pancreatic cancer may suddenly find the taste and smell of cigarettes disgusting.
In addition, pancreatic cancer can affect the taste of food. While the reason for the symptom eludes researchers, this change in taste can also play a role in weight loss.
Since some of these symptoms may be a result of another condition or circumstance, it’s important that you tell your doctor about all the symptoms you’re experiencing. Furthermore, if any of these signs become severe, you should seek medical advice even if it’s the only symptom you’re experiencing. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer early can improve your prognosis, so pay attention and seek help if you experience these symptoms.
