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.
Is Back Pain An Indication Of Kidney Cancer
A sudden or unusual ache in the middle or lower portion of the back might have a person looking up all kinds of possible medical ailments online.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people call a doctor, but the odds are very good that the cause will not be kidney cancer, says Eric Kauffman, MD, a urologist with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Kidney cancer is usually asymptomatic. We find it most often through scans that are attained for other reasons, Dr. Kauffman says. The most common symptom we see is blood in the urine. Its uncommon, but thats the most common symptom. Back pain in general is uncommon with kidney cancer because we dont have the same kind of pain receptors on the kidney like we do on our skin or muscle. You dont feel when things invade there.
Back Pain From Cancer
Rarely, it may be the first manifestation of cancer, says a paper in the Journal of General Internal Medicine .
The study authors point out that out of 1,975 walk-in patients at a clinic, only 13 were found to have cancer as a cause of their back pain.
Certain findings correlate to this, but these findings certainly dont automatically mean cancer:
At least 50 years of age
Previous history of cancer
Pain lasting longer than a month
No improvement with conservative therapy
Whats scary is that the paper says that metastatic cancer, when causing back pain, may not always cause other symptoms.
When cancer causes back pain, its more frequently in the lower region. Thus, pain specifically in the middle back, from this disease, would be even rarer.
Quite simply, pain in the back, be it low, middle or upper, has MANY causes including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease , fibromyalgia, aortic disease, imminent heart attack, premenstrual syndrome, benign ovarian cysts and overdoing it in a yoga class.
Dr. Psallidas is the main author of many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in pleural disease and lung cancer.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. Shes also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Top image: Freepik.com/ shayne_ch13
Don’t Miss: How Much Advil For 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.
Tips To Reduce Your Chances Of Getting Back Pain
However, there are few things that one can take care of while working from home including finding time out from a busy schedule to stroll for at least half an hour after work.
If that is also not possible then we need to get up in between and walk around the house a bit maintaining an ideal height of the laptop and their work screen and adjusting the height of the computer screen at or slightly below the eye level.
Another effective measure one can take to protect their back is by keeping a hard pillow on the chair for back support. This will reduce the chances of back strain.
Recommended Reading: What Type Of Doctor Should You See For Back Pain
Choose An Orthopedist From Our Dover Nj Practice For Your Back Pain
When you choose a doctor from Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey for your back pain, youll receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms, whether its a bone fracture, herniated disc, or something outside of your musculoskeletal system. If a practitioner from our office notices any abnormalities pressing on your bones or suspects that back pain isnt related to your musculoskeletal system, they will refer you to a specialist who can help. However, when its an issue we can address, we take every step necessary to find a treatment that works for you.
Book an appointment with Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, serving Dover and the surrounding region, if you have persistent back pain by calling 989-0888 or by using our appointment scheduling tool. We look forward to serving you soon.
Back Pain Can Be Caused By Many Ailments
Although kidney cancer invasion does not cause pain, people might feel some pressure or pain in their back if theres a blood clot blocking the urine from draining well from the kidney. This pain can be similar to when kidney stones block urine drainage from the kidney. Blood clots in the urine can form when the urine is bloody and are different from blood clots that form in veins.
Historically, some information on kidney cancer might have suggested back pain as a symptom because a large tumor itself could cause urine drainage to be blocked, causing discomfort and pressure on the persons back. Thats a rare presentation though, says Dr. Kauffman.
Another outdated suggestion is that people might feel a lump on their flank, or side. The average tumor we find these days is only about the size of a large strawberry, and even a tumor the size of a grapefruit you often cant palpate, since the kidneys are deep in the abdomen and pinned against thick back muscles. It would typically need to be the size of cantaloupe, and its not too common these days to see tumors that size. Youd feel it in the front, not through the back, because the back muscle is strong enough that a tumor wouldnt push through. Usually the doctor has to push down pretty deep with his or her hands its not something thats easily felt.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Don’t Miss: How To Sleep To Help Lower Back Pain
When To See A Doctor
When unexplained back pain persists for a couple weeks despite rest and/or self-care, it is typically recommended to visit a doctor for a medical evaluation. Severe back pain that interferes with daily activities, or any back pain that is accompanied by red flag symptoms such as nausea or weight loss, requires an immediate medical evaluation. For people who currently have or previously had cancer, any new back pain needs to be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
It is also important to note that back pain rarely turns out to be cancer. Getting an accurate diagnosis for back pain from a medical professional is an important first step toward finding an effective treatment plan.
Can Cancer Pain Be Relieved
You should never accept pain as a normal part of having cancer. It’s important to remember that all pain can be treated. Cancer pain may not always be completely relieved, but your doctor can work with you to control and lessen it as much as possible. Knowing how to report and describe it can help your health care team know how to treat it.
Also Check: Can Sleeping On An Old Mattress Cause Back Pain
How Is Lung Cancer & Back Pain Related
Unexplained backache can be a sign of lung cancer. Not all the time, but sometimes. If lung cancer continues to grow and spread to the spine, it creates pressure on the backbone and spinal cord, causing pain and discomfort in the neck or upper, middle, or lower back. The pain may eventually spread to arms, legs, and buttocks.
Sudden limb weakness, which can occur due to cord compression numbness, weakness, or stiffness of back or neck and even generalized muscle cramp or sharp pain which feels like current can be an indicator of lung cancer-related pain.
So, it is in your best interest to consult a cancer doctor if you are suspecting your back pain may be related to lung cancer.
The expert guidance of specialists like Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, can help.
But, are there any red flags of back pain that can help you determine whether you should or shouldnt talk to a cancer specialist? Yes. And thats exactly what well discuss now.
Complete Guide To Low Back Pain
This article might ease your mind, but what about your back pain? If your pain is becoming chronic , or if you just keep having flare-ups, you may want to dive much deeper into the topic. There arent any easy answers for stubborn back pain, but there is evidence-based hope, and the PainScience.com back pain tutorial explores the topic extremely thoroughly. The main text is written for patients, but its also extensively referenced for keen readers and healthcare professionals. Read the introduction.
Also Check: Who Do You See For Back Pain
What Are The Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer can affect anyone. The presence of certain risk factors, however, makes someone more vulnerable to get the disease. Nonetheless, the presence of risk factors does not mean that the person will surely get the disease. Likewise, the absence of risk factors does not make one immune from getting pancreatic cancer.
Some of the major risk factors for pancreatic cancer include
- Non-modifiable risk factors: These include the risk factors that are not in ones control and they cannot be changed. They include
- Age: Pancreatic cancer risk increases as a person grows older. Most people affected by this cancer are older than 45 years of age with almost 75 percent of patients being at least 65 years old.
- Gender: The number of pancreatic cancer cases is higher in males than in females.
- Race: African-Americans seem to be at a higher risk than Caucasians.
- Genetic syndromes: Certain inherited conditions, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, may increase the risk.
- Family history: A history of pancreatic cancer in a parent, child or sibling may increase the risk of the disease although most patients diagnosed with the condition do not have a positive family history.
Physical Examination Maneuvers That Are Likely To Be Useful In Diagnosing The Cause Of This Problem
A basic physical examination should include inspection of the back for alignment, curvature, range of motion, and also include palpitation for bony and soft tissue tenderness. Bony vertebrae tenderness is not specific but is sensitive in assessing for spinal infection. Soft tissue tenderness is poorly reproducible and is of limited value in diagnosis.
An essential maneuver is the straight leg test which is used to diagnosis radiculopathy. It is performed with the patient in the supine position. The patients extended leg is raised with the ankle dorsiflexed. The test is positive when sciatica is reproduced between 30 and 70 degrees. It is 91% sensitive and 26% specific. The crossed straight leg raising test is performed by raising the unaffected leg and is positive when sciatica occurs in the affected leg. It is 29% sensitive and 88% specific.
Neurologic testing in suspected disc herniation should focus on the L5 and S1 nerve root region given that the vast majority of impingement will occur in this distribution. L5 testing should evaluate the strength of the ankle and great toe in dorsiflexion. Sensation for L5 should assess for numbness in the medial foot and between the first and second toe.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Pillow For Back Pain
Physical And Genetic Factors
Overall, women have a 1 in 78 risk in developing ovarian cancer. However, certain factors can affect those odds. For example, ovarian cancer is much more prevalent in women over the age of 63. Half of all new diagnoses occur in patients above that threshold.
Additionally, existing medical conditions can also factor in: women with endometriosis, HPV, gastrointestinal cancer, or diabetes are slightly more at risk.
Women with inherited genetic factors are also more at risk although having a family member with ovarian cancer is not itself a sign of a genetic problem. But if your family tree includes 2 or more cases of ovarian or breast cancer, you should talk to your doctor about your potentially elevated risk levels.
Common Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may be silent in its earliest stages meaning that it may have no symptoms at all. Once symptoms do present, they tend to be vague so vague that they can be confused with premenstrual syndrome, a minor bladder issue, or irritable bowel syndrome.
However, the difference between these conditions and ovarian cancer is the persistence of symptoms these conditions either do not last or are not consistent, whereas ovarian cancer will cause symptoms that are consistent.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Generalized pain of the pelvic region, as well as the lower stomach and lower side of the body
- Lower back pain
- Nausea
Don’t Miss: What To Do For Back Pain During Pregnancy
Can Back Pain Be A Symptom Of Lung Cancer
When you have back pain, many thoughts may come to your mind as to the cause, including a strain, arthritis, bone fracture, or degenerative disc disease. Sometimes, however, pain in your back can indicate an internal problem, such as lung cancer. Although the orthopedists at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey cant diagnose and treat lung cancer, they can determine if the cause of your back pain isnt related to your musculoskeletal system.
Back Pain And Lung Cancer: Dont Miss The Red Flags
80% of the world population will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
It can affect anybody, from adolescents to the elderly.
According to WHO, in 9 out of 10 cases of back pain, the primary cause or the root of the pain is often unidentified.
Nobody sees back pain as a red flag, especially an indicator of lung cancer. But, cancer specialists say it can be.
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It is often stigmatized as a smokers disease. However, with the increase in pollution and a general decline in lifestyle, even non-smokers cannot escape the risk of lung cancer.
Just like anybody can get back pain, anybody can get lung cancer. And sometimes the two can be connected.
What we must understand is that while not every back pain means the possibility of lung cancer, around 25% of lung cancer patients have experienced some form of back pain.
You May Like: Can Back Pain Cause Pelvic Pain
Pain In The Middle Back Can Be More Worrisome Than The Lower Area Since This Isnt The Most Common Area Of Back Pain
Cancer as a cause of mid back pain certainly impedes upon the minds of people who suffer from cancer anxiety.
A variety of disorders can contribute damage of intervertebral disks, vertebrae, ligaments, neural structures, muscles and fascia leading to middle back pain, says Ioannis Psallidas, MD, PhD, Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician, Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who has a focus in thoracic oncology.
Although most patients with middle back pain have a benign condition, serious, destructive diseases are uncommon causes of back pain, continues Dr. Psallidas.
Back pain is the presenting symptom in 90% of patients with spinal tumors, and the spine is also one of the most common sites of metastasis: About 20,000 cases arise each year1.
In a study published by Brihaye and colleagues, 1,477 cases of spinal metastases were reviewed and found that 16.5% arose from primary tumors in the breast, 15.6% from the lung, 9.2% from the prostate and 6.5% from the kidney2.
In addition, ovarian cancer has the potential to cause pain in the middle back.
The take-home message is that if you begin having back pain, you should not lose sleep over the worry that it could be cancer.
The No. 1 cause of back pain is a combination of poor biomechanics and insufficiently trained muscles.
Shutterstock/Thaninee Chuensomchit
How Lung Cancer And Back Pain Are Linked
When we think about back pain, usually the last thing that comes to mind is cancer. Instead, we associate it with things like physical trauma or a degenerative disease .
While back pain caused by lung cancer shares commonalities with many of these disorders, it also has a distinct difference. Much of these relate to how and where the cancer causes pain, both directly and indirectly. Some of the possible ways in which lung cancer can produce back pain include:
- The direct pressure a tumor can place on the structure of the back, more often than not, is in the mid to upper back rather than lower back.
- A malignancy can irritate the nerves servicing the lining of the lungs and chest wall, triggering a sharp and sometimes chronic nerve pain.
- Cancer spread from the lungs to the spine and bones is an occurrence shared by upwards of 30% of people with lung cancer.
- Metastasis of cancer to the adrenal glands , can cause localized pain due to its location right above the kidney.
At the current time, the majority of people who develop lung cancer are non-smokers , and lung cancer is increasing in young women and men who have never smoked.
In fact, due to the location of the type of lung cancer most common in non-smokers, the typical symptoms most people associate with lung cancer are often absent. These tumors are also more likely than other kinds of lung cancer to spread to bones.
You May Like: What Can I Do To Alleviate Lower Back Pain
