The pancreas is a gland within the human body that is involved in hormone production and digestion. Abnormal, unregulated cell growth within the pancreas can lead to the development of pancreatic cancer. In the United States, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in more than 37,000 patients every year, estimated by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The majority of pancreatic cancer patients are asymptomatic during the early stages of this disease. As the cancer progresses, a number of symptoms of pancreas cancer can develop.
Abdominal Pain
If you have pancreatic cancer, you can experience pain within your abdomen. The pain is typically present within the upper abdomen and can also occur in the middle of the back, especially in advanced stages of this disease. The severity of the pain can vary from mild to severe depending on the extent of the cancer growth. Such symptoms require a medical evaluation by your primary care physician.
Abnormal Stools
Cancer can interfere with the normal function of the pancreas. In such cases, the pancreas may not be able to produce the enzymes needed for healthy digestion. This can lead to the production of abnormally pale, greasy or bulky stools. Stools excreted by a pancreatic cancer patient typically float in the toilet due to abnormally high fat content within the stool.
Weight Loss
Pancreatic cancer can cause significant and unexplained weight loss to occur in certain people. The cancer can prevent your body from absorbing the nutrients present in the food you digest. Abdominal pain and discomfort can also lead to a decrease in appetite. Such symptoms can contribute to unintended weight loss in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Jaundice
A cancerous tumor within the pancreas can block the flow of bilirubin, a digestive enzyme produced by the liver, through the bile duct. If this occurs, bilirubin can accumulate within the body and cause jaundice to develop. Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Fatigue
If you have pancreatic cancer, you can experience abnormal tiredness or fatigue due to this condition. You might find that you have difficulty getting up in the morning or could require frequent naps throughout the day. Abdominal pain and weight loss can exacerbate fatigue symptoms in certain people. In addition to fatigue, the National Cancer Institute warns that you can also experience weakness, nausea or vomiting due to pancreatic cancer.
