The normal pancreas aids in digestion by secreting enzymes. It also secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar metabolism. Tumors, benign and malignant, can grow in the pancreas leading to cancer, or possibly cancer can spread to the pancreas from another area. According to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (USCF), pancreatic cancer is known as a "silent disease" due to the lack of signs and symptoms early on. Signs of pancreatic cancer vary and unfortunately, once present, the disease has progressed and often times, spread to other areas of the body.
Jaundice
According to the American Cancer Society, tumors in the pancreas can block bile ducts, which supply the gastrointestinal tract with bile. This bile can build up, causing a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice. Urine can also become very dark and stool turns clay-colored. A doctor can surgically insert a tube in the bile duct to keep it open, or add a bypass to allow bile to flow into the intestines, to treat jaundice.
Pain
As cancerous cells and tumors grow and possibly spread, pain can develop, according to UCSF. The pain is cause by tumors, which can press on nerves in the abdomen. The pain is generally located in the abdominal region, particularly in the upper abdomen where the pancreas is located. The pain may spread or radiate to the back, or other areas. The pain may be worse when lying down or possibly after eating if a bile duct, which responds by releasing bile after food is consumed, is blocked. If severe, a doctor may inject alcohol into the abdominal nerves that control pain to stop the signals being sent to the brain.
Weight Loss
Cancer of the pancreas often causes nausea and loss of appetite, which in turn causes unintentional weight loss due to lack of calories consumed. Tumors can also press on the stomach making eating uncomfortable. Additionally, weight loss can be aided by malabsorption from persistent vomiting and diarrhea. A doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid digestion and allow for optimal absorption. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight loss is a sign of pancreatic cancer, but could indicate many different illnesses so further investigation is necessary.
Digestive Problems
According to UCSF, digestive problems can occur if pancreatic cancer blocks the gastrointestinal juices from entering the digestive tract. These pancreatic juices will then not be able to properly digest dietary fats, proteins and carbohydrates. This would cause bloating, cramping, constipation and/or diarrhea. Abnormal stools that are pale, bulky or greasy in appearance, float in water, or are very foul-smelling can also occur. Pancreatic tumors can also grow into the small intestine and cause a blockage, where food is unable to pass. If this occurs, a tube can be inserted to keep it open, or the intestines can be rerouted around the blockage.
