One of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer is pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by back pain. This pain is usually constant and dull. At the early stages, the pain may come and go, but as the tumor grows larger it tends to be more constant and last longer.
The reason for this pain is the location of the pancreas. It is located in the abdomen, close to the spine. As a tumor develops, it may put pressure on nerves or organs, causing pain that spreads to the back.
One of the things people notice is that the pain tends to worsen with meals or when lying down. It is interesting to note that some people find relief from the pain by leaning forward. This relieves pressure on the nerves. Because of this, the pain is usually attributed to digestive problems, muscle strain, or even stress.
The discomfort in the early stages might not be severe, and it is possible to neglect it. However, as the tumor grows in size, the pain becomes more severe and persistent. This is one of the major warning signs.
It is worth noting that not all abdominal pain is related to cancer. There are other possible reasons such as gastritis, ulcers, or gallstones. However, if the pain is persistent and not easily explainable, especially if it is associated with the back, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Jaundice
A number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting in the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver. In patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, jaundice occurs because of an obstruction in the bile duct due to cancerous tumor formation.
In addition to jaundice characterized by yellow skin and eye color, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer also includes dark urine, pale or greasy stool, and severe itching sensations. Interestingly enough, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer is painless.
For many, the first sign that something is seriously amiss is the appearance of jaundice, especially if the tumor is located at the head of the pancreas. This is because, being visually apparent, it is likely to prompt medical intervention sooner than other, less obvious, signs.
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