Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Dr Bucho
Due to its rarity and frequent lack of symptoms, pancreatic cancer frequently goes undiagnosed until it has progressed to a severe stage.
Pancreatic cancer Early Signs and symptoms: Cancer arises from the cells of the pancreas, a digestive organ. It can be roughly classified into two types The exocrine pancreas produces islet cancer, whereas the endocrine pancreas produces pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Compared to endocrine pancreatic cancers, the second form is rare and progresses slowly.
According To Cleaveland Clinic Some of the early signs of pancreatic cancer:
- Hunger loss
- Back discomfort that originates in the abdomen
- appetite loss or unintentional weight loss
- your skin and the whites of eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
- stools in a light colour
- urine with a deep colour
- Skin itch
- Blood Clotting
- Fatigue
- New Diabetes
According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, pancreatic cancer is the most lethal type of cancer in the nation, with over 50% of cases ending in death within three months after diagnosis. The most frequent risk factors for the disease, according to the official PCUK website, are age, smoking, being overweight or obese, having a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Additionally, in some circumstances, alcohol, uncooked meat, and blood type are additional risk factors.
Several typical risk factors of pancreatic cancer
- Diabetes for a long time and smoking
- Obesity
- more red and processed meat consumption
- Ageing Hereditary and chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer complications
1. Jaundice
Jaundice can be brought on by pancreatic cancer that restricts the liver’s bile duct. Yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, and light-colored faeces are symptoms. Usually, biliary discomfort does not accompany jaundice.
2. Weight loss
Another hallmark of pancreatic cancer is weight loss without apparent cause. The pancreas is crucial for both managing blood sugar levels and the digestion of food. Consequently, pancreatic cancer might result in weight loss. As the body’s energy is depleted by cancer, weight loss may occur.
3. Bowel obstruction
The movement of digested food from your stomach into your intestines can be obstructed by pancreatic cancer that invades or presses on the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine.
4. Stomach or back pain
Pancreatic cancer can result in back discomfort, stomach pain, or even both forms of pain in certain circumstances. Before moving to the back, the discomfort typically begins in the stomach. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone who has pancreatic cancer experiences any pain at all.
5. Other
- Itchiness: Before you have jaundice, your skin may become extremely itchy as bile salts accumulate beneath the skin first.
- Malnutrition: Pancreatic cancer can make it challenging to consume and correctly digest meals, which can result in malnutrition.
- Metastasis: Pancreatic cancer can extend to the liver, lungs, or bones, among other body organs.
Treatment
Better mapping and diagnostic technologies are now available to determine if a cancer is localised or has spread to other areas. Endoscopic ultrasonography and cholangioscopy are minimally invasive procedures that aid in the early detection of cancer and the provision of a conclusive pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Can pancreatic cancer be treated?
Pancreatic cancer can be cured if detected extremely early, despite the fact that the condition is typically incurable. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the available treatments for pancreatic cancer today.
What is the first test for pancreatic cancer?
Abdominal ultrasound: However, a CT scan is frequently more helpful if signs and symptoms are more likely to be brought on by pancreatic cancer.
How Does Pancreatic cancer cause death?
In the United States, the average 5-year survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer is 11%. Most pancreatic cancer patients pass away from liver failure as a result of the tumour taking over their liver.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this material is being made solely for informational purposes. It makes no claims to be able to diagnose or treat any medical problem. Before making any changes, please speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
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