lack of apetitePancreatic cancer in numbers

  • Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancers.
  • Genetic predisposition to pancreatic cancer is found in 10% of cases.
  • 75% of pancreatic tumors are located in the gland's head.

How to recognize pancreatic cancer?

Specialists call this type of cancer quiet because early signs of pancreatic cancer are usually absent. Therefore, early detection of pancreatic cancer is difficult.

As the tumor grows, it leads to painful sensations in the abdomen.

When the head of the pancreas is affected, it leads to a pain in the upper central region of the abdomen (epigastric region), which can radiate to the back. At later stages, cancer causes yellowing of the skin and sclera (jaundice), weight loss, steatorrhea (fat in the feces).

The first symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

  • pain

70% of patients with a diagnosed tumor in the pancreas consult a doctor because of abdominal pain. Some people can only feel pain in the back.

How does pancreatic cancer hurt? Patients complain about dull, aching pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric region), which increases in lying position and after eating (in particular, after fatty and spicy food). Pain radiates to the back and waist. It is because the tumor grows into the nerves surrounding the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac artery (trunk).

If you noticed any suspicious symptoms (especially if they have appeared long ago and did not go away) consult a specialist as soon as possible!
  • jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and sclera occurs in 65-75% of pancreatic cancer cases. This symptom is caused by the tumor of the pancreas head blocking the bile duct which causes bilirubin to enter the blood in large amounts. Jaundice affects skin, eyes, makes urine dark and a stool light. Symptoms of jaundice in pancreatic cancer are called hyperbilirubinemia.

Bilirubin is a pigment of bile, formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin. It is bilirubin that gives a yellow shade of urine. It is responsible also for the yellow color of bruises and the yellow discoloration of jaundice.
  • weight loss

A quick decrease in weight for no apparent reason is a sign of pancreatic cancer.



The tumor also causes nonspecific symptoms:

  • diabetes

The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates the level of sugar in the blood. When the cells of the gland that produces this hormone are destroyed, there is an increase in the concentration of glucose. Signs of diabetes are thirst, frequent urination, weakness and weight loss.

The sudden development of diabetes after the age of 50 could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

  • nausea and indigestion
  • thrombosis

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in blood vessels. It can clot veins, most often in the legs. Symptoms include itching, pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of heat in the affected limb. Thrombosis can occur in the lungs too.