7 Early Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer. Haven’t heard about it yet? You may not have, as this kind of cancer is pretty rare. But mind you, rarely doesn’t mean it is dangerous enough. Well, I am sure you can understand the nuances of the word cancer. And the faster you diagnose and treat any cancer, the better. As always, prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to a life-threatening disease like cancer, you know that only diagnosis at the right time can increase your chances of a speedy recovery. In the case of pancreatic cancer, signs and symptoms are not visible at an early stage. And, many of the symptoms might be vague. It is still important you know these warning signs of pancreatic cancer:

Jaundice:

One of the most common symptoms that point towards the existence of pancreatic cancer is jaundice. Bilirubin, a dark yellow-brown substance, is what results in Jaundice. When the liquid released by the liver named bile cannot pass through the stool and instead piles up in the common bile duct, bilirubin keeps increasing to the point of being risky for the body. The newly formed cancer starts in the pancreas and pushes itself on the bile duct, causing Jaundice. Although, be sure to remember that there can be other causes of jaundice and gallstones, and other liver diseases.

Stomach/Back Pain:

While back or stomach pain is something quite normal, it can be another symptom of pancreatic cancer. Sometimes, when cancers that grow inside the body spread, it reaches the neighboring body parts resulting in pain. Cancer can spread to the nerves and result in pain too.

Loss Of Appetite:

According to research studies, pancreatic cancer has been associated with weight loss. So, if you are losing weight without any reason, it’s time to consult your doctor. You might feel like eating before and lose your appetite over a period of time.

Nausea/Vomiting:

Think about what may happen if someone squeezes your stomach from inside? That might happen if cancer inside the body blocks the stomach, obstructing the way of food in the stomach.

Enlarged Liver:

If cancer affects the bile duct, there are chances it might affect the gallbladder and liver. It can be confirmed through an imaging test or a physical exam.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

If you come across a blood clot in your leg, it’s best to get it checked by a medical professional. Other symptoms like redness and swelling can also appear on the leg. While a blood clot can have many reasons, it is wiser to get it confirmed by your doctor.

Unstable Sugar Levels: 

The first thing pancreatic cancer does is to kill the insulin-making cells. This results in unexpected hunger pangs, thirst, and urinating often. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, a blood test is a way to detect improper blood sugar levels.

These are some of the symptoms that you should stay aware of for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.