Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth highest cancer killer in the United States, for both women and men.  Unfortunately, the cancer itself usually has no early identifiable symptoms, leading to a poor prognosis.   

Because of this, the median survival for patients, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, is only around three to six months.  In this article, we will talk about seven pancreatic cancer symptoms. 

Pancreatic Cancer symptoms are hard to spot, because they seem unrelated, and can because by a variety of different other illnesses.  For example, they lack of appetite is a major symptom of pancreatic cancer. 

Yet, loss of appetite can occur for a number of different reasons, like from depression. 

Another symptom is rapid weight loss, without the intention of losing weight.  If you have experienced a large amount of weight loss, without trying to lose it or without dieting, it is a potential sign you have pancreatic cancer. 

The third of the pancreatic cancer symptoms is probably the most distinguishable -- pain in the upper part of your abdomen.  Typically this pain starts in the upper abdomen, and then radiates to your back.  Often, patients will explain that the only time they can alleviate this pain is by leaning forward. 

The fourth pancreatic cancer symptom is experiencing jaundice, yet suffering no pain from it.  This is because the bile duct often becomes distracted if you suffer from pancreatic cancer, and will produce this painless type of jaundice. 

Another symptom is itching.  This occurs most frequently in the later stages of pancreatic cancer.  Itching is a byproduct of your bile acids in developing in your skin, because of the blockage of your pancreas. Chronic Nausea is another symptom of pancreatic cancer. 

Oftentimes, in advanced stages, vomiting will follow this nausea. 

A seventh symptom is experiencing digestive problems.  Your pancreas releases digestive enzymes into your body, when it is functioning properly.  When pancreatic cancer occurs, these digestive enzymes are interrupted. 

Again, it is important to realize that most of the symptoms will not occur until the later stages of pancreatic cancer.  This is why pancreatic cancer sufferers have such a high mortality rate.  It is virtually undetectable in the early stages. 

In conclusion, I have given you seven pancreatic cancer symptoms you should be aware of, if you feel you may be suffering from pancreatic cancer, or are worried that someone else you know is.

Pancreatic Cancer |