These Could Be Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer
If you have a family history of cancer, you may be concerned about pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer affects an estimated 60,000 people per year. It is most common in adults over the age of 45.
If you have a family history of cancer, you may be concerned about pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer affects an estimated 60,000 people per year. It is most common in adults over the age of 45.
It's important to note that symptoms of pancreatic cancer can often be difficult to differentiate from other conditions, making it essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Additionally, understanding related conditions such as Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and the implications of MDS disease treatment is crucial, as these disorders can sometimes arise as side effects of previous cancer treatments, highlighting the need for comprehensive oncology care. Here are some of the primary signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is common among older adults and may signal a number of conditions. However, when abdominal pain begins to radiate into your back, you may be experiencing pain as a result of pancreatic changes. Typically, the pain is located in the upper abdomen. It may remain constant or come and go with time. The pain may be the result of a growing tumor pressing into the nerves in your abdomen.
Appetite and Weight Changes
Pancreatic cancer may also cause changes to appetite and weight. Those who have pancreatic cancer may experience a reduced appetite, resulting in the loss of weight, vitamin deficiencies, or fatigue. They may also experience unexplained or uncontrollable weight loss.
Fatigue
Those with pancreatic cancer may also experience higher levels of fatigue. As a result of the body's attempt to fight off the cancerous cells and compensate for the lower functioning pancreas, those with pancreatic cancer may find themselves becoming fatigued more easily and needing additional sleep.
Jaundice
Jaundice, or the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, is a common symptom in any type of pancreatic dysfunction, including pancreatic cancer. This is because the pancreas plays an essential role in the filtering of bile and red blood cells. When the bile ducts become blocked in the pancreas from cancerous growth, bile and other important functions are no longer able to proceed as normal. The result is the build-up of bilirubin in the skin and whites of the eyes, giving them a yellow tint.
Itchy Skin
One symptom of pancreatic cancer that is often overlooked is itching skin. The itching is often widespread across the entire body. The skin typically itches due to the build-up of bilirubin and bile in the blood. Those with itching skin should not overlook this as a symptom, especially if accompanied by jaundice or changes to stool or urine colors.
Changes in Stools
Changes in stools may also occur as a result of pancreatic cancer. The stool often becomes light-colored or pale-looking. Similar to jaundice, this is a result of the dysfunction of the bile ducts as a result of cancerous growth. As bile is no longer able to be filtered and processed as normal, the stools turn a lighter color.
Additionally, as cancer in the pancreas continues to grow, you may experience bowel obstruction. This is because cancer may grow or press on the small intestine.
Change in Diabetes
Those with pancreatic cancer may also experience a change in their diabetes. Those with pancreatic cancer may find a new diagnosis of diabetes. They may also find their existing diabetes more difficult to control. This is because of the pancreas' role in the production of insulin. Insulin helps the body regulate blood glucose levels. Those with pancreatic cancer may experience changes in the levels of insulin that their pancreas is able to produce. As a result, new onset of diabetes may occur or existing diabetes may become more difficult to control.
Dark-Colored Urine
Just like the changes to the color of stool, there may also be changes to urine color. Both of these changes result from the same reason. As the bile ducts become blocked, bile is unable to flow as normal, resulting in different levels of bilirubin in the skin and bloodstream. This may also impact the color of urine.
Bloating
Those with pancreatic cancer may experience changes in their digestive tract as well. They may experience bloating, early feelings of fullness, or uncomfortable amounts of swelling in the abdomen.
Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also common with pancreatic cancer, especially as the tumor continues to grow. It may occur all the time or only after meals, as the pancreas attempts to process the food. Fatty meals may cause more nausea and vomiting than other types of food.
Rare Symptoms
There are also several rare symptoms that may appear as a result of pancreatic cancer. These tend to be the result of rare types of pancreatic cancers. Here are a few of some of the rarer symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Light-headedness
- Stomach ulcers
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Reflux
- Abdominal cramping
- Fainting
Pancreatic cancer has many symptoms that can be difficult to differentiate from a number of other abdominal conditions, as many different conditions may cause similar symptoms. If you're concerned about your risk for cancer or are experiencing many of the symptoms listed above, you should contact a doctor to discuss these changes. Those who have a family history of pancreatic cancer or are at a higher risk for pancreatic cancer due to obesity or tobacco use should pay special attention to these symptoms.
Understanding MDS Disease Treatment and Related Oncology Care
While discussing serious conditions like pancreatic cancer, it's also crucial to be aware of other significant health issues, such as Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). MDS is a group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells. The treatment for MDS, often referred to as MDS disease treatment, includes supportive care, medications, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation.
In some instances, MDS can develop as a side effect of previous cancer treatments, known as treatment-related MDS. This underscores the importance of comprehensive oncology care, often managed by specialists in MDS oncology. Oncology care not only focuses on treating the primary disease but also on managing side effects and secondary conditions like MDS that might arise due to aggressive cancer treatments.
By understanding these conditions and their interrelations, patients can approach their healthcare with a more informed perspective, ensuring they receive comprehensive and holistic care.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.