Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Recognition of signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be pivotal in improving treatment outcomes for patients. Currently, the high rate of morbidity among patients is largely due to the late stage at which they receive diagnosis and begin treatment. The issue of timely diagnosis is greatly complicated by the fact that when pancreatic cancer symptoms do appear, they are often not specific enough to point health care providers directly to the need for cancer screening. Symptoms such as stomach pain, weight loss, or itching skin are frequently attributed erroneously to other conditions such as diabetes, or dermatological conditions, thus delaying appropriate treatment. Adding further complication is the tendency toward seeing specialists who may fail to recognize the significance of clustered symptoms. The solution to this dilemma lies in encouraging familiarity with individual signs and symptoms of cancer, and awareness of the potential significance of concurrent presentation. The simple act of raising awareness may provide an important opportunity to hasten treatment and extend the patient’s life.
What is the Pancreas?
Function
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ found in the digestive and endocrine systems of vertebrates. Its function is two-fold; it produces both hormones, and digestive enzymes. The pancreas is crucial in the regulation of blood sugar levels as it secretes insulin and glucagon, as well as somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptides. It also aids digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats through production of digestive enzymes that pass into the upper intestine.
Characteristics
The pancreas is a usually about 6 inches long and is shaped much like a pear. It is divided into thirds with segments designated as the head, body and tail. Located in the upper abdomen between the stomach and spine, the pancreas cannot be palpated during a physical exam. Its obscured location and inability to be felt during exams may contribute to what is typically late detection of malignancies.
The specific pancreatic cancer symptoms a patient exhibits can offer clues as to what segment of the pancreas is affected. If a patient presents with jaundice, it may be a sign that the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines has been blocked, indicating cancer in the head of the pancreas. In contrast, tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas are less likely to cause jaundice, but more likely to cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Jaundice
Jaundice can be observed as an unnatural yellow tone in the skin and sclera (whites) of the eyes. As a mass in the pancreas grows, it may obstruct the bile ducts, causing an excessive amount of bilirubin in the blood.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is, perhaps, the pancreatic cancer symptom most likely to cause a patient to seek care. Pain is usually felt in the upper portion of the abdomen with sensations sometimes radiating into the back. Pain will often worsen within three to four hours of eating, or when lying down.
Unintended Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is almost always a sign of distress, and warrants a visit to the doctor. When accompanied by abdominal pain, it is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Because this symptom is among the first to present, it is very important to have it addressed by a physician.
Nausea/Vomiting
Since the pancreas is essential for healthy digestion, a disruption in its healthy function, such as cancer, will frequently cause nausea and vomiting.
Loss of Appetite
Patients with pancreatic cancer often report that they have experienced a loss of appetite, which may be due to the impaired ability of the pancreas to regulate insulin and glugagon. Loss of appetite is often attributed to other causes such as stress or indigestion. As such, it may be ignored unless accompanied by other hallmark symptoms of pancreatic malignancies such as unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, or vomiting.
Itchy Skin
As the digestive and thus, detoxification processes related to the pancreas are compromised, some patients experience itchy skin. If a connection between this symptom and other signs, such as abdominal pain, is not made, patients may find themselves being referred to a dermatologist. Sadly, this does more than inconvenience the patient with unproductive treatment; it delays the commencement of effective, life-extending cancer treatment.
Diabetes
As stated earlier, one of the primary roles of the pancreas is to produce insulin. When the pancreas cannot do so, a diagnosis of diabetes is often made as levels of insulin and glucagon fall out of balance. While diabetes treatment may alleviate the symptoms, the presence of cancer is often missed unless a connection is made between its unexpected onset and other symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Certainly anyone who is diagnosed with diabetes without having any typical risk factors should express a health curiosity as to the true origin of the disease.
Changes in Bowel Movements and Urination
Pancreatic Cancer Cells
When malignancies in the pancreas grow large enough to block the bile ducts, noticeable changes in your bodily waste functions may occur. Urine may assume a darker color. Bowel movements may become loose, lose their brown color in favor of a clay-like hue, and develop an atypically strong odor.
You’ve Noticed Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms. What Next?
Pancreatic cancer is very rare. In 2008, only 38,000 cases were diagnosed, making it statistically unlikely that you have it. Nonetheless, it is very important that you consult a physician immediately if you recognize any of these symptoms as your own. Even if you do not have cancer, all of the symptoms discussed can be indicative of serious medical issues, and as such, warrant a professional evaluation.
Is Pancreatic Cancer Screening Available?
Pancreatic cancer screening has not attained the popularity of, say, mammograms, because it is extremely rare. Although it is available, it is typically recommended only for those who may have a family history or related genetic condition that makes the particularly vulnerable. research facilities that specialize in pancreatic cancer often have family registries. Should you fall into one of these high risk categories, these same research facilities may be able to provide you with annual screenings.
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