Overview of Symptoms Associated With Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms are often difficult towith a curable or resectable lesion experience
detect, making it even harder to diagnose thispainless yellowing of the skin.
potentially deadly disease. It's important toTrusseau Sign (Blood Clots)
remember that many of the indicators will notTrusseau Sign is a secondary affliction that
present themselves until after the disease is in ancauses grumes or blood clots to develop in
advanced stage. Keep reading for a list of possiblehepatic portal veins, abstruse veins and surface
signs.veins without warning. While not exclusive to
Stomach Painspatients with pancreatic cancer, it is often
Among the basic pancreatic cancer symptoms isassociated with the disease.
a soreness or pain in the high abdomen. PatientsDepression
often complain that the pain spreads through theThough not as exhaustively accounted or
area and around to their back. Many people goingreferenced, depression is a subtle side effect of
through this type of discomfort will oftenpancreatic cancer. The clinical depression often
experience alleviation once they lean forward.develops even before the disease is detected.
This type of abdomen pain is usually present inDoctors and researchers are still unsure why or
the majority of patients (approximately 80%),how the two connect.
but is typically only evident during the advanceHow Pancreatic Cancer is Diagnosed
stages of the disease. Eating can often worsenPancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed after the
the pain or cause increased discomfort.above symptoms are either detected by the
Loss of Appetitepatient or the supervising doctor. After the
Weight loss and a decreased appetite are oftenindicators are evaluated, liver function tests and
typical symptoms affiliated with pancreatic cancer.tests for CA19-9 - a marker for pancreatic
Regrettably, these are also common signs oftencancer - are often performed.
associated with other afflictions and diseases,CT scans and ultrasounds are other common
particular those affecting the digestive system.methods of detecting pancreatic cancer and used
Painful or Painless Jaundiceto detect visible tumors or lesions. An endoscopic
Since pancreatic cancer can block the bile duct -ultrasound or biopsy can also be used to obtain
which flows partly through the head of theand test tissue samples.
pancreas - jaundice is a frequent symptom of thePancreatic Cancer Screening
disease. Tumors that develop on the pancreas areIf you have two or more immediate family
typically the root of jaundice development, whichmembers (or three or more extended relatives)
is characterized by a yellowing of the skin.who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Typically, jaundice for patients with pancreaticsymptoms, you should ask your doctor about
cancer is accompanied by dark urine and pruritus,early screening for the disease. Pancreatic cancer
or itching. Approximately half of pancreatic cancersymptoms often don't present themselves until it
patients with local forms of the diseaseis too late, making early screening critical for
experience painful jaundice while the other halfthose at risk.