Pancreatic cancer can be challenging to diagnose early because it often doesn't cause symptoms until it's advanced. However, some symptoms and signs can include:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools.
- Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
- Weight Loss: Unintended and significant weight loss.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite and early satiety (feeling full quickly).
- Nausea and Vomiting: Due to the pressure of the tumor on the stomach or duodenum.
- Diabetes: New-onset diabetes or changes in existing diabetes control, as the pancreas plays a key role in insulin production.
- Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained tiredness.
- Blood Clots: Unexplained blood clots in veins (deep vein thrombosis) or other areas.
- Itching: General itching without a rash, often due to bile salt buildup under the skin.
- Changes in Stool: Greasy or fatty stools that float (steatorrhea) due to the pancreas not releasing enough digestive enzymes.
- Back Pain: Persistent pain in the back that may be due to the tumor pressing on nearby nerves or organs.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so they don't necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer.
If you persistently experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider, as they can also be caused by other conditions. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prognosis. At GW Cancer Center, you’ll be seen by doctors and surgeons who rank among the top experts in the Washington, DC, region.
