Keep Track Of Your Pain
Document your pain when it occurs using a journal. This will make it easier for your doctor to understand what is causing the pain.
Write in your journal:
- Where you feel the pain
- How strong it is on a 1 to 10 scale
- How often the pain happens
- How often the pain lasts
- What time of day it happens
- If eating causes pain
- What makes your pain feel better or worse
Doctors can use this information to develop a successful pain management plan, which may include some of the following approaches.
Treating Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms Before Getting Diagnosed
Some people tried to deal with their symptoms themselves before going to see a doctor. Most people went to their GP at least once. Symptoms became so severe in several cases that people went straight to hospital.
It can be difficult for doctors to spot pancreatic cancer because the symptoms vary. It was common for people to have treatment for their symptoms for a while before any tests were done. Thinking about the delays in getting a diagnosis was upsetting for a few people we spoke to.
What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
It is important to remember these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome or indigestion, and arent usually the result of cancer.
However, if you or a loved one regularly experience one or more of these identified pancreatic cancer symptoms which are not normal for you, do not ignore them, contact your GP straight away.
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Common Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer
The following are the most common signs of exocrine pancreatic cancerspecifically for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in the ducts of the pancreas and represents more than 90 percent of all diagnoses. Neuroendocrine tumors are much less common and may present different symptoms.
Patients may experience symptoms differently and should not expect to manifest all symptoms listed.
Jaundice And Related Symptoms
Jaundice is yellowing of the eyes and skin. Most people with pancreatic cancer will have jaundice as one of their first symptoms.
Jaundice is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a dark yellow-brown substance made in the liver. Normally, the liver releases a liquid called bile that contains bilirubin. Bile goes through the common bile duct into the intestines, where it helps break down fats. It eventually leaves the body in the stool. When the common bile duct becomes blocked, bile cant reach the intestines, and the amount of bilirubin in the body builds up.
Cancers that start in the head of the pancreas are near the common bile duct. These cancers can press on the duct and cause jaundice while they are still fairly small, which can sometimes lead to these tumors being found at an early stage. But cancers that start in the body or tail of the pancreas dont press on the duct until they have spread through the pancreas. By this time, the cancer has often spread beyond the pancreas.
When pancreatic cancer spreads, it often goes to the liver. This can also cause jaundice.
There are other signs of jaundice as well as the yellowing of the eyes and skin:
Pancreatic cancer is not the most common cause of jaundice. Other causes, such as gallstones, hepatitis, and other liver and bile duct diseases, are much more common.
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Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer Youre Most Likely To Ignore
If youve got indigestion and stomach ache, and maybe youre off your food and feeling a bit sick, you might think youve just got a tummy bug. And while thats by far the most likely cause, always be aware that theyre the symptoms of something far worse too the UKs fifth biggest cancer killer, pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms of the disease, which is diagnosed in around 10,500 people in the UK every year, can often be mistaken for other, far more benign, conditions, and thats why many people dont seek medical help until the cancer is in its later stages and far more difficult to treat.
As a result, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer more than half of people with the disease die within three months of diagnosis, says Pancreatic Cancer UK .
PCUK specialist nurse, Jeni Jones, says: The vast majority of cases are diagnosed when the cancer is already at a late stage, because the symptoms often overlap with other conditions like indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. If you have a symptom thats persistent, you should speak to a GP it could mean youre diagnosed early.
Here are some of the symptoms that could be easy to dismiss as something less serious
1. Indigestion
Indigestion and/or heartburn can be a common symptom of pancreatic cancer but one that most people wouldnt necessarily think was linked to a serious disease.
2. Tummy or back pain
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Appetite loss
5. Jaundice
6. Itchiness
7. Changes to bowel habits
9. Nausea
Seek Care Right Away For Pancreatitis
Seek care right away for the following symptoms of severe pancreatitis:
- pain or tenderness in the abdomen that is severe or becomes worse
- nausea and vomiting
- yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes, called jaundice
These symptoms may be a sign of
- serious infection
- blockage of the pancreas, gallbladder, or a bile and pancreatic duct
Left untreated, these problems can be fatal.
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Changes In Stool And Urine
A change in the color of urine or stool is yet another bilirubin-related issue that may be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. You may have darker pee and paler stool than usual, Dr. Lenz says.
Excess bilirubin can turn urine a brownish color. A blockage of bilirubin, however, can result in lighter-colored stool.
Pancreatic cancer can prevent the proper enzymes from getting to the intestines and breaking down fat, making stool appear greasier, he says.
If any of the symptoms described show up and persist for more than one week, you need to see a doctor.
Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms
If you have jaundice, go to your GP or A& E straight away.
If you have any of the other symptoms and you dont know why you have them, go to your GP or contact NHS 111. NHS 111 will give you advice and arrange for you to talk to a doctor if you need to.
Give the GP or NHS 111 a good description of your symptoms. Mention anything unusual, even if you are not sure if its relevant. Read more about visiting your GP. You might find our tips for talking to your GP helpful.
Its important to remember that having these symptoms doesnt always mean that you have pancreatic cancer, but you should get them checked out. These symptoms can be caused by more common things, or health conditions such as pancreatitis , stomach ulcer, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and hepatitis . They can also sometimes be signs of other cancers, so you should always get them checked out.
If your symptoms get worse or you develop any new symptoms, you should always see your GP. If your symptoms dont improve, go back to your GP and ask for tests to find out if there is any condition causing them. You could keep a diary of your symptoms to show the GP.
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You Were Recently Diagnosed With Diabetes Or Your Well
Research suggests that a sudden onset of type 2 diabetes in people age 50 or older may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially in those who have a low body mass index, experience continuous weight loss or do not have a family history of diabetes.
A sudden change in blood sugar levels in diabetics who previously had well-controlled diabetes may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Learn more about diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Review the infographic for a closer look at pancreatic cancer symptoms and risk factors.
Ignoring Back Pain Can Be A Big Pancreatic Cancer Mistake Doctors Say
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be subtle, varied, orin the early stages of the diseasenon-existent. That’s why “pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer in the human body, with overall five-year survival rates at just about seven percent despite all the advances over the past decades,” according to the Mayo Clinic News Network. “There are no telltale signs for pancreatic cancer, and symptoms like weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, and appetite loss are nonspecific.”
That’s why knowing which symptoms to watch for, no matter how unrelated they may seem, is crucialas is being aware of any factors that may put you at a higher risk for getting developing pancreatic cancer. Read on to find out why back pain might be a warning sign of this deadly disease, and when to get it checked out.
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D Symptoms Secondary To Bile Duct Obstruction
Because the pancreatic tumor mass of ductal adenocarcinoma most commonly arises from the head of the pancreas which are the sections where the bile duct joins with the pancreatic duct, the normal flow of the bile duct is often obstructed, thus disrupting the natural deposition of the bile fluid into the small bowel. This bile duct obstruction causes a back-up of the bile pigment into areas where it shouldnt normally go creating the clinical symptoms of jaundice with its attendant yellowish skin coloration and other associated changes, and which is often accompanied by a loss of appetite and by the symptom of unrelenting and often debilitating pruritis of the skin.
Additionally, the lack of bile salts which are now unavailable for normal digestive and other bowel processes, can result in complex physiological interactions leading to liver and immune dysfunction. This interruption of normal bile deposition may also disrupt the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the conjugation of endotoxins, thus leading to possible blood coagulation difficulties, malabsorption syndromes and even kidney failure. Also, up to ten percent of affected patients may develop cholangitis .
Symptoms That Resemble Other Conditions
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be similar to those of other conditions or medical problems, which can delay diagnosis even further. Upon diagnosis, patients often look back and start to make a connection between various symptoms that seemed unrelated or unremarkable at the time.
Listen to your body and consult with your doctor about any new symptoms you may be experiencing, even if you think they can be explained. While cancer is probably not the culprit, diagnostic tests can help to confirm the case.
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What Does The Pain Of Pancreatic Cancer Feel Like
Pain is not a characteristic sign of pancreatic cancer in its early stages. However, as cancer progresses, it becomes more pronounced.
Studies suggest that about 70% of all cases of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer occur due to a visit to a doctor due to pain.
Most people describe pain with pancreatic cancer as dull. However, pain intensity continues to increase. Unlike spastic pain caused by gastrointestinal issues, pain in pancreatic cancer is constant.
As cancer progresses, the pain spreads around the back. It worsens when lying down and improves a bit on sitting or leaning forward. This pain is also made worst by the intake of food.
In some cases, pain may start from the back, and many may confuse it with backache. However, pain in the case of pancreatic cancer would not affect the lower back.
Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
You can reduce or eliminate some risk factors for pancreatic cancer. These include:
- Exposure to toxic chemicals for example, pesticides and asbestos
- high consumption of red meat
- Having diabetes , which is often linked to obesity
- Having chronic pancreatitis , which is more common among people who drink heavily or smoke
- Acute and lasting change of bowel habits with incompletely digested food or oily bowel movements
Other risk factors cannot be changed:
- Family medical history: In some cases, pancreatic cancer develops due to an inherited genetic trait. If there is a strong history of pancreatic cancer in your family, you may want to find out about genetic screening and counseling at Roswell Park. Call our Cancer Information Program at 1-800-ROSWELL for more information.
Are you eligible for high-risk screening?
Pancreatic cancer is more effectively treatable if caught early, and screening can improve the chances of early detection. Because the disease is rare, not everyone should be screened, but people at the highest risk can participate in Roswell Parks High-Risk Pancreatic Screening Program. Our experts will determine your personal risk and develop a screening program specifically for your needs.
Are you eligible? As a first step, please call Roswell Parks Cancer Information Program at 1-800-ROSWELL . An information specialist will assist you.
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Symptoms Of Endocrine Pancreatic Tumours
Endocrine pancreatic tumours are uncommon. They are also called neuroendocrine tumours. Most pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours don’t produce hormones so don’t cause specific symptoms.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours that produce hormones are called functional tumours. The symptoms are different for each type, depending on the hormone the tumour produces.
Your Skin And Eyes Look Yellow
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a component of bile. This buildup can happen if the tumor blocks the bile flowing from the gallbladder into the small intestine.
People with jaundice may also have itchy skin, dark urine and light or clay-colored stools.
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Symptoms Of Chronic Pancreatitis
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis often manifest themselves only when complications arise or the condition worsens.
The pain of chronic pancreatitis takes two forms. In the first kind, the pain may come and go, flaring up for several hours or several weeks, with no discomfort in between flare-ups. In the second, the pain is steady and debilitating.
In some cases, those with this form of pancreatic may feel pain in parts of the body other than the abdomen. There may sometimes be no pain at all.
Some of the defining symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
What Are Other Complications Associated With Pancreatitis
These are some of the other complications that may develop as a result of acute, severe, or chronic pancreatitis:
- Low blood pressure
- Breathing problems due to hormone changes that affect lung function
- Malnutrition due to the inefficient breakdown and absorption of food
- Pancreatic pseudocysts, or fluid and debris-filled sacs, which may cause bleeding and infection if they rupture
- Extra-pancreatic infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections
Since your body is using its fluids to help fight the injuries to your pancreas, you may become dehydrated. Vomiting and the inability to eat may also contribute to dehydration, and it may also lead to low blood pressure.
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You Experience Abdominal Or Back Pain
Place the tip of your finger on the top of your abdomen, just below the breastbone. Then imagine your finger pointing straight back through your body to the spine. Thats a common location that pancreatic cancer patients report feeling pain, says Dr. DiMaio. The pain is hard to describe, but a dull, internal pain in this area, or radiating around the sides of your abdomen to the back, is a tip-off and you should get it checked out, he says. Cancers that start in the body or tail of the pancreas can press on nearby organs, causing pain. If the cancer spreads to the nerves surrounding the pancreas, this can lead to back pain.
Tumor Location Impacts Symptoms
The location of the tumor in the pancreas affects the types of symptoms and how soon they might start to show. For example, jaundice symptoms may appear when the tumor obstructs the head of the pancreas.
If the tumor is in the body or tail of the pancreas, pain and weight loss might be more likely. Pancreatic cancer in the body or tail can also take longer to present with symptoms, allowing the tumor more time to grow or metastasize before its found.
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Changes In Bowel Habit
People with pancreatic cancer sometimes experience constipation or diarrhoea . Stools can also be large, pale, smelly and float. This is because there is too much fat in the stool as food is not digested properly.
Constipation and diarrhoea are quite common. However, if a change in your bowels keeps happening or lasts longer than a week, discuss this with your GP. It does not mean you have pancreatic cancer but is important to investigate and your GP may be able to resolve your symptoms easily.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer
Early pancreatic cancers often do not cause any signs or symptoms. By the time they do cause symptoms, they have often grown very large or already spread outside the pancreas.
Having one or more of the symptoms below does not mean you have pancreatic cancer. In fact, many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions. Still, if you have any of these symptoms, its important to have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
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You Have Dark Urine Or Greasy Stools
If your urine starts to look dark , this may be one of the pancreatic cancer symptoms you should notice. As bilirubin, a substance made by the liver that partly makes up bile, builds in the blood the color of urine darkens. Clay-colored or greasy stools can also be symptoms of pancreatic cancer, says Dr. DiMaio. Dark urine and greasy stools can also be signs of other conditions, though, including hepatitis and certain blood disorders, so be sure to have a conversation with your doctor.
