Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a silent killer because it typically goes unnoticed as it grows and develops without displaying major symptoms in its initial stage. One of the main reasons for this is the location of pancreas deep within the abdominal cavity, hidden by other important organs. As a result, patients may not realise they have a cancerous tumour until it has become quite large. However, there are some early warning signs such as acute pancreatitis and jaundice that should not be ignored.In this article, Dr Prof. Pravin M Rathi, TNMC & B.Y.L. Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai shares some unusual signs that indicate underlying pancreatic cancer.
Research has shown that many people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. Another warning sign is jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. This occurs when bile cannot flow through the bile duct, which can be linked to pancreatic cancer.
Unusual Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Dr Rathi listed out these four uncommon warning symptoms to watch out for pancreatic cancer:
1. Changes in stool colour: Changes in stool colour and consistency can sometimes indicate pancreatic cancer. For instance, if the cancer blocks the bile duct, it can lead to a lack of bilirubin in the intestines, resulting in whitish-coloured stool.
2. Upper abdominal pain: While abdominal pain is not uncommon, if it is severe, constant, and located in the upper abdomen and back, it could indicate a more serious issue like pancreatic cancer. This discomfort cannot be relieved by standard pain medications.
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
3. Weight loss and loss of appetite: Unexplained weight loss can occur due to incomplete digestion or the cancer itself. Pancreatic cancer can disrupt the body's normal calorie and protein utilisation, leading to a loss of appetite. Therefore, significant and unintended weight loss should be medically evaluated.
4. Onset of diabetes: Research has found that type 2 diabetes can develop suddenly in healthy individuals, including those who are thin, have lost weight, or have no family history of diabetes. This sudden onset of diabetes could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Even diabetic patients with well-controlled blood sugar levels may be at risk and should be evaluated for pancreatic cancer if sudden changes occur.
Also Read: 9 Potential Causes Of Persistent Abdominal Bloating & Back Pain In Women
How to treat pancreatic cancer?
Treatment and management of pancreatic cancer involve a personalised approach based on each patient's specific needs. As per Dr Rathi , “This may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Advanced imaging techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be valuable tools for diagnosing and staging pancreatic cancer.”
EUS uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues, while ERCP is a minimally invasive procedure that visualises the bile ducts and pancreas using a flexible tube with a camera and light.
Pancreatic cancer is a complex and aggressive disease that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. However, by being aware of the unusual warning signs and symptoms, individuals must seek medical attention, which can improve their chances of successful treatment. It's important to remember that pancreatic cancer can affect anyone, and that early detection is key to improving outcomes.
References:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
https://pancan.org/news/7-pancreatic-cancer-symptoms-and-signs-you-should-know/
https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms
https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/jaundice-to-acute-pancreatitis-doctor-shares-4-unusual-warning-symptoms-of-pancreas-cancer-924074/