If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, taking care of your health is a priority. Several things can cause weight loss associated with pancreatic cancer. Depending on if you have possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer, a recently confirmed diagnosis, or are in remission, you need to speak to a physician about the best course of action for your stage of cancer.
Symptoms
If you have suddenly experienced weight loss that is unintentional, it could be the sign of an underlying medical condition. Weight loss can be caused by several different things, including pancreatic cancer. Along with weight loss, pancreatic cancer also displays other signs and symptoms such as blood clots, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, diabetes, jaundice, loss of appetite and depression, explains the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can be tricky. Your physician may initially order a blood draw to be sent to the lab to check your enzymes and white blood cell counts. In conjunction with blood tests he may also have you get an ultrasound of the abdomen. If a mass is suspected or identified, a biopsy may be conducted to confirm a diagnosis.
Causes
The cancer and tumor may have already begun to invade nearby organs or cause a blockage in your bile duct. If there is a blockage, this can cause your liver to malfunction, leading to nausea, jaundice and weight loss. As the cancer spreads, nutrients are lost in the process, causing malnutrition. If you have been recently diagnosed and are undergoing treatment that includes chemotherapy, the side effects from chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting. According to Chemocare, losing 5 pounds or more in a week, dehydration, lack of appetite and vomiting can challenge your recovery and you should contact your health care provider to have your dosage or medication adjusted.
Treatment
You need to treat your weight loss so your body can maintain optimal health through the treatment process. This begins with having meals that are high in protein and calories that allow you to slowly gain weight back. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication such as metoclopramide and thorazine. These medications could be in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or other cancer medications. Once the cancer is controlled, you should begin to slowly gain weight.
Recovery
If detected in its earliest stages, pancreatic cancer has a 37 percent survival rate past 5 years, explains the American Cancer Society. Because pancreatic cancer lies deep within the center of the body, it is hard to see or detect tumors until you begin to be symptomatic with pain and weight loss. Most people do not get diagnosed in the early stages. Later stages of pancreatic cancer can invade nearby organs such as the liver, lymph nodes and kidneys -- causing significant, marked weight loss.
