Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: Know What to Watch For
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Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
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Published on October 18, 2024
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Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces enzymes to aid digestion and hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

 Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early because it has no early warning signs, and experiencing common symptoms usually means the cancer is already in an advanced stage.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Illustrative graphic titled Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer shows Fatigue, Jaundice, Loss of Appetite, Abdomen or Back Pain, Bloating, Sudden Type 2 Diabetes, General Malaise, Unintended or Unexplained Weight Loss, Enlarged Gallbladder or Liver, Diarrhea
Pancreatic cancer may cause any or all of these symptoms, depending on the size and location of the tumor.Everyday Health
Pancreatic cancer typically doesn’t cause any symptoms until it has grown to a large size or spread to areas outside of the pancreas (metastasized). And when the disease does cause symptoms, they are nonspecific, meaning they could be caused by many other issues besides pancreatic cancer.

 For example, fatigue is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, but fatigue is also associated with two very common issues many adults face: poor sleep and depressed mood.

Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which may be accompanied by dark urine, light-colored or greasy stools, and itchy skin
  • Unintended or unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain in the abdomen or back
  • Enlarged gallbladder or liver
  • Blood clot in a large vein (deep vein thrombosis), usually in the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area
  • Blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), if a piece of a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs
  • Sudden onset of type 2 diabetes from lack of insulin
  • Nausea, vomiting, or a burning feeling in the stomach

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Bloating or other symptoms of indigestion
  • General feeling of being unwell

The symptoms you experience depend on where your tumor starts.

If the cancer starts in the head of the pancreas, which is on the right side of the abdomen near your common bile duct, it can press on the duct and potentially block it. Bilirubin, a dark-yellow substance made in the liver and found in bile, will build up in your duct, leading to jaundice. Bile may also build up in your gallbladder, causing it to enlarge.

On the other hand, if the cancer starts in the pancreas body (behind the stomach) or tail (left side of the abdomen, next to the spleen), it may grow large enough to press on other nearby organs and nerves, leading to abdominal and back pain.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: exocrine and endocrine (or neuroendocrine) cancers.

Exocrine Cancers

Exocrine cancers develop from the exocrine cells of the pancreas, which produce enzymes that help break down food. Most of the pancreas is made up of exocrine cells, and about 95 percent of pancreatic cancers are exocrine cancers.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a type of exocrine cancer that occurs in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas, account for more than 90 percent of pancreatic cancers. Other, less common types of exocrine cancers, include:

  • Acinar cell adenocarcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma
  • Colloid carcinoma
  • Signet ring cell carcinoma

  • Undifferentiated carcinomas

Neuroendocrine Cancers

Neuroendocrine cancers develop from the islet cells in the endocrine gland of the pancreas. These cells produce hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, also known as islet cell tumors, are rare, making up less than 2 percent of pancreatic cancer tumors.

Potential Complications of Pancreatic Cancer

Some research suggests pancreatic cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing thyroid and small intestine cancers. If you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before age 50, you may also have an increased risk for lung cancer, especially if you smoke.

If you had pancreatic surgery during your treatment, you are at risk for several other complications. This includes an external pancreatic fistula, an abnormal connection or communication between the pancreatic duct and skin, causing pancreatic fluid to leak. The loss of fluid can lead to dehydration and weight loss from malnourishment.

Other potential complications from pancreatic surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Delayed gastric emptying, or when the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms

When to See a Doctor

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage — and when there are symptoms, they’re nonspecific. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
  • Persistent abdominal or back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • New-onset diabetes

The Takeaway

  • Pancreatic cancer usually has no early warning signs, so it’s difficult to diagnose early.
  • Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are nonspecific and may not become apparent until the disease has progressed, so it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as you notice jaundice, persistent back or abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or sudden onset of diabetes.
  • Having the above symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer, but because pancreatic cancer can be aggressive, it’s best to see a doctor sooner than later.
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