Pancreatic cancer can prove to be quite dangerous. This is because of its simple symptoms and late onset of symptoms. The pancreas is a small part at the bottom and back of the stomach. It helps in making essential enzymes in the body, digesting food, and controlling blood sugar. The most common cancer in the pancreas is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in the cells that carry out digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
If pancreatic cancer is detected early, it can be cured. However, sometimes its symptoms appear very late. It is considered dangerous because many times its symptoms are detected only when they start affecting other parts of the body. Therefore, pay maximum attention to the symptoms.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Pain in the back or abdomen- If you have severe pain in the middle of the abdomen or back, then this can be due to a tumor. If there is a tumor, it can put pressure on the nerves and organs around the pancreas. This can cause problems related to digestion.
Flatulence- Pancreatic cancer can cause digestive problems. Symptoms like excessive gas and bloating can be felt. Acid also starts forming in the stomach due to pancreatic cancer, which can cause problems like flatulence or bloating.
Difficulty in digesting food- Sometimes people in this condition start losing their appetite. There may be problems of indigestion and nausea. These symptoms appear when the tumor works to stop or obstruct your digestive process.
Weight loss- Weight loss can be a symptom of cancer. This can happen due to digestive problems or cancer. When there is cancer, the body is unable to use protein and calories properly. Due to this, there is less appetite.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes- Jaundice can be a symptom of yellowing of the skin and eyes. This is due to the build-up of bilirubin, a component of bile. This can happen when the tumor blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.
Changes in stool – Many pancreatic cancers cause diarrhea, constipation, or both. Diarrhea may be loose, watery, oily, or smelly stools. This may be due to the intestines not producing enzymes properly. Due to slow digestion, stools may also become tight.