Silent Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer That Go Unnoticed

The pancreas is a vital organ responsible for making enzymes to aid in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels with the production of insulin. Despite its importance, it is still an overlooked organ in the body.

One of the silent diseases that affects the pancreas is cancer. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are so vague that it often gets mistaken for other health concerns. By the time it is diagnosed, the disorder has already reached the advanced stage when treatment becomes quite difficult, stated Dr. Indraneel Saha, the best pancreas doctor in Kolkata.

For some individuals, the early-stage signs of pancreatic cancer are subtle. Recognising those symptoms and undergoing tests often makes a significant difference in the timely detection of the disease.

In this blog, we will talk about the unusual symptoms which indicate a high possibility of pancreatic cancer but are generally ignored.

What Makes Pancreatic Cancer Hard To Detect?

Pancreatic cancer develops when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the pancreas. This can either occur in the ducts producing the digestive enzymes or the endocrine cells that secrete insulin and other hormones.

In most individuals, pancreatic cancer is hard to catch at the first stage. This is primarily because the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, sandwiched between the stomach and the spine. Hence, the tumour starts to grow without any visible lump.

Secondly, the symptoms of the disease are extremely confusing and signify other conditions as well. Moreover, there is no recommended screening test for pancreatic cancer, unlike other types like colon, breast or cervical.

Symptoms To Watch For

If you experience any of these signs, don’t wait to consult the best pancreas doctor in Kolkata to rule out serious complications or for early detection.

Jaundice: When a tumour blocks the bile ducts of the pancreas, it leads to the build-up of bile in the liver. It results in high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Loss of appetite: A decrease in the desire to eat, combined with feelings of fullness after consuming a small amount of food, signifies a concern with the pancreas.

Abdominal pain: A persistent and dull ache in the upper abdomen or mid-back can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. The pain is intermittent and worsens after eating, causing many to attribute it to digestive issues.

Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss without any significant changes in diet is a major red flag. It mostly occurs when the pancreas is unable to make digestive enzymes, causing nutrient malabsorption and weight loss.

Fatigue and weakness: Consistent fatigue and weakness are the body’s response to the cancer cells and due to the malnutrition caused by impaired function.

Onset of diabetes: Pancreatic cancer often interferes with the pancreas’s ability to make insulin required to manage blood sugar levels, which causes the onset of diabetes or difficulty in keeping existing blood sugar levels under check.

Changes in stool: Pale and greasy stool that floats is an indicator of pancreatic cancer. This is because when a tumour blocks the duct, it prevents the enzymes from entering the intestine to break down fats. This undigested fat causes the stool to be light-coloured and bulky.

Why is Pancreatic Cancer So Dangerous?

When pancreatic cancer is not treated at the right time, it poses serious complications like the following.

Metastasis: The cells progress aggressively to spread outside the pancreas to other parts of the body, like the liver and lungs.

Severe pain: As the tumour grows in size, it presses against the nerves, leading to chronic and severe ache in the belly that is hard to manage.

Organ Failure: The presence of cancer and its associated complications triggers a systemic inflammatory response that affects multiple organs.

Low survival rate: Pancreatic cancer, when diagnosed in the advanced stage, becomes complicated to treat, resulting in a decrease in the five-year survival chance.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer, when detected in the early stage, offers improved treatment outcomes. Thus, if you notice any of the symptoms, get in touch with a pancreas doctor in Kolkata for a thorough evaluation.