How can I identify the warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer usually causes no symptoms until the tumor is large. At that point, the cancer has usually spread (metastasized) to nearby lymph nodes, the liver, or the lungs. The first symptoms are usually abdominal pain and weight loss. Other symptoms depend upon the location of the cancer. About 80% of pancreatic cancers occur in the “head” of the pancreas. This is the area closest to the common bile duct. Jaundice, which means the skin and whites of the eyes look yellow, occurs when the bile duct becomes obstructed. Other symptoms include mid-back pain, nausea and diarrhea, general weakness, itchy skin, light-colored bowel movements, and slow digestion of food. The liver and gallbladder may be swollen. About 20% of pancreatic cancers occur in the “tail” of the pancreas. These tumors usually block the vein that drains the spleen, which enlarges the spleen and the varicose veins around the stomach and esophagus. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen that usually gets
