Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and frequently misdiagnosed.

Abdominal and mid-to-upper back pain – Pain in the upper abdomen or mid-back may be caused by the tumor pushing against or invading nerves or organs near the pancreas. Pain can also result when the tumor blocks the digestive track. Of course, abdomen and back pain are common and most often caused by something else.

Unexplained Weight Loss – Unintended weight loss is very common among people with pancreatic cancer.  These people often have little or no appetite.

Digestive Problems – Poor appetite, indigestion, and nausea are common in people with pancreatic cancer. These symptoms may occur when the tumor presses on the far end of the stomach or first portion of the small intestine.

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) – Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin. A tumor in the head of the pancreas can block the bile flowing from the gallbladder into the small intestine. People with jaundice may also experience itchiness of the skin, abnormally dark urine, and light or clay colored stools.

Changes in stools- Many pancreatic cancer patients experience diarrhea, constipation or both.  Diarrhea consisting of loose, watery, oily or foul-smelling stools are caused by an insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes in the intestines.

Sudden onset diabetes – A sudden onset of Type 2 diabetes in people age 50 or older may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if the person s not over weight. A sudden change in blood sugar levels in diabetics who previously had well-controlled diabetes may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer.