10 signs of pancreatic cancer to know
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early because it often causes few or no symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they can also be caused by many more common conditions, so having one of these signs does not mean you have cancer. Cancer.gov+1
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) — sometimes accompanied by dark urine, pale/greasy stools, or itchy skin.
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Unexplained weight loss — losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise.
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Persistent upper-abdominal pain — pain may sometimes extend into the back.
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Loss of appetite or feeling full unusually quickly.
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Nausea or vomiting, particularly when it occurs repeatedly or after eating.
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Persistent fatigue or weakness that isn’t explained by lack of sleep or exertion.
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Bloating or excessive gas and other persistent digestive problems.
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New-onset diabetes or unexplained changes in blood sugar, particularly when accompanied by weight loss. New diabetes is much more commonly caused by other factors, but it can sometimes be associated with pancreatic cancer. Cancer.gov+1
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An enlarged gallbladder or liver, which may be detected by a clinician or on imaging rather than noticed yourself.
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An unexplained blood clot, especially a clot causing pain, swelling, redness or warmth in one leg. Pancreatic cancer can increase the tendency to form blood clots, although most blood clots have other causes. American Cancer Society
When should you see a doctor?
Don’t wait for several symptoms to appear. Persistent, unexplained symptoms—especially jaundice, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal/back pain, or newly diagnosed diabetes—deserve medical evaluation. Doctors may use blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound, CT, MRI/MRCP or other investigations depending on the situation. American Cancer Society+1
If you develop yellow skin/eyes, severe or worsening abdominal pain, vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, or symptoms of a blood clot such as sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, seek prompt medical attention.
Importantly, there is no recommended routine pancreatic-cancer screening test for people at average risk. Screening is generally considered for people with substantially increased risk, such as certain hereditary or strong family-history situations. American Cancer Society+1
If you tell me which symptoms you’re experiencing and for how long, I can explain what they may indicate and what medical evaluation would typically be appropriate.
