Doctor Shares TWO Main Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer To Watch Out For

Unlike the heart, lungs, or the liver, the functions of pancreas are not so well understood. First and foremost, the pancreas is an organ as well as a gland that produces a lot of enzymes. It is known for two primary functions called the exocrine and endocrine functions; the former known for promoting digestion and the latter controls blood sugar levels by producing insulin, a hormone that helps turn food into energy. However, just like any other organ, the pancreas can also develop cancerous cells, leading to pancreatic cancer.

There are four stages of pancreatic cancer. In the first stage, the cancer is localised, meaning it is limited to a particular area in the pancreas. In the second stage, the cancer reaches the bile duct and other structures except for the lymph nodes. The third stage involves the lymph nodes and finally, in the fourth stage the cancer has reached other organs and parts of the body. The key to treating pancreatic cancer successfully is getting an early diagnosis, which is why identifying the early signs is of utmost importance. 

Importance Of Early Detection

Worldwide, more than 4.95 lakh people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, according to the Cancer.Net. As per the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), it is the 12th most common cancer in the world.

Since pancreatic cancer is a life-threatening disease, getting regular screenings can help in early diagnosis. Only when the cancer is detected in the early stages can it be treated to prevent its spread to other organs and possible fatality.

Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?

Advanced pancreatic cancer is the most serious form of the cancer, as it means that the cancer has spread to the other organs and is unresectable. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer that has spread to distant organs is called metastatic or stage IV cancer. "These cancers can’t be removed completely. Surgery might still be done, but the goal would be to prevent or relieve symptoms, not to try to cure the cancer," the health body shares. 

Therefore, early detection allows more effective treatment and higher success rate as the cancer is still at an early and curable stage. Moreover, early detection may reduce the need for aggressive treatments, potentially improving the patient's overall quality of life. Additionally, early intervention can prevent the cancer from spreading to nearby organs and structures, reducing the severity of symptoms and complications.

One should be aware of his or her risk factors. According to Dr Ashish Jha, Director of Gastroenterology, Medanta Hospital, Patna, people who smoke, drink excessive alcohol, or those who have had chronic pancreatitis for many years, especially hereditary pancreatitis, should be more vigilant. These three factors are the main predisposing factors for pancreatic tumours, as per the doctor. 

Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer To Note

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the epigastric region. By epigastric, it means in the upper abdomen in the centre, which usually the pain radiates to the back, says Dr Jha, adding that sometimes patients can directly present to doctors with jaundice, with intense itching on the body, making pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice are the two main clinical features of pancreatic tumours. 

“Once a patient develops these symptoms and visits a doctor, the doctor would usually advise for an ultrasound, CT Scan, Endoscopic ultrasound, FNAC or biopsy, and many other blood tests,” he adds. 

Other common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: 

• Light-coloured stools, dark-coloured urine
• Loss or changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood clots

Treatment Options

According to Dr Jha, pancreatic tumours can be adenocarcinoma or neuroendocrine tumours. 

Depending on how large the pancreatic tumour is and which stage it is in, the treatment will be provided accordingly. 

“In the early stage, these tumours can be resected with an operation," says the doctor. However, if the tumour is no longer resectable, chemotherapy can be started given there is no jaundice. If the patient has jaundice and the tumour is unresectable, in that case, a doctor may suggest ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), which is an endoscopic procedure; with this procedure, a stent can be placed into the bile duct to relieve the jaundice. 

Explaining the process further, Dr Jha says, “Once the patient gets rid of the jaundice, then we can plan for chemotherapy and other palliative management like pain management or other symptomatic management.”