Jaundice, abdominal or back pain, dark urine, and frequent nausea can be warning signs of pancreatic cancer that are often overlooked.
Top 8 Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Jaundice or Yellowing of the Eyes
Tumors near the head of the pancreas can block the bile duct, causing bile to accumulate and leading to jaundice or yellowing of the eyes.
According to Reader’s Digest, Christopher DiMaio, a gastroenterologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, states that jaundice is one of the clearest signs of pancreatic cancer. Tumors that develop near the head of the pancreas can obstruct the bile duct, preventing bile from reaching the intestines, where it helps break down fats and eventually exits the body through stool. This bile accumulation can result in jaundice or yellowing of the eyes. The American Cancer Society notes that this condition can also cause itchy skin.
Abdominal or Back Pain
Since the pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach, a common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull ache in the stomach as it presses against this organ. According to the UK Pancreatic Cancer Organization, this symptom occurs in approximately 70% of pancreatic cancer cases. If the cancer spreads to the nerves surrounding the pancreas, it can also lead to back pain.
Dark Urine
Urine that begins to turn dark (brown or rust-colored) can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. This is due to bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver that is part of bile, accumulating in the blood and causing the urine to darken. Additionally, clay-colored or greasy stools can also indicate pancreatic cancer, as the cancer may obstruct the bile duct.
Nausea or Vomiting
Pancreatic cancer pressing on the stomach can cause partial obstruction, leading to nausea and vomiting.
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer can compress the stomach, causing partial obstruction, making it difficult for food to pass through. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain that tends to worsen after eating.
Bloating
The sensation of bloating may be due to direct pressure on the stomach or reduced secretion of digestive enzymes caused by pancreatic cancer. If you experience this condition frequently, rather than self-medicating, you should consult a doctor for a thorough examination.
Sudden Increase in Blood Sugar
According to Best Life magazine, diabetes often develops in younger individuals or those aged 40-60. A sudden increase in blood sugar and the onset of new diabetes in older adults, especially after age 65, is one of the symptoms indicating the development of pancreatic cancer. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University report that pancreatic cancer can cause a sudden onset of diabetes by destroying insulin-producing cells, leading to increased blood sugar levels.
Weight Loss
Various reasons explain how weight loss can signal pancreatic cancer.
Significant weight loss without dieting or physical activity is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, several reasons explain how weight loss can signal pancreatic cancer. As cancer progresses, it depletes the body’s energy, leading to weight loss. When a tumor presses on the stomach, it may cause you to feel full or make it difficult to eat. Additionally, when not functioning normally, the pancreas does not produce enough digestive fluids necessary to help the body process nutrients from the start.
Oral Health Issues
If your mouth has a foul odor, your gums are inflamed, or your teeth are loose, it may not just be due to poor hygiene. According to researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center, pancreatic cancer patients are known to be more susceptible to gum disease, cavities, and poor oral health. The presence of the same type of bacteria associated with oral diseases like periodontitis (gum inflammation) increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by over 59% compared to those without the bacteria.
