Early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnose. Pancreatic cancer is rare. The symptoms listed below can be caused by other, less serious conditions.
Pankind is proud to have collaborated with the team of talented researchers at QIMR Berghofer on the symptoms description and recommended next steps.
Pankind thank Let’s win for the information on potential tumour location.
Select a symptom to learn more
If you are persistently experiencing any or several of the following symptoms, your doctor is the best person to consider whether you should have a scan of your pancreas.
Abdominal or back pain
Pain in the upper part of your abdomen, in the area just below your ribs or sternum (breastbone). The pain is persistent; it may go away for a while, but it returns.
The pain may also:
• radiate to your back,
• cause you to wake from sleep, OR
• get worse after eating a fatty or heavy meal.
Next steps
Seek advice within 2 weeks
If you have been advised that you have a medical condition that is known to cause this type of abdominal pain, you should discuss this symptom with your doctor at your next appointment.
If you have not been diagnosed with a condition that is known to cause this type of abdominal pain, seek advice from a doctor within 2 weeks.
Potential tumor location
Pancreas body & tail
A tumor in the body part of the pancreas is more likely to be near the celiac nerve.
A tumor in the tail part of the pancreas can press on the stomach and small intestine.
Jaundice
Symptoms of jaundice are:
• a yellow tinge to the skin and whites of eyes
• urine that is dark in colour
• pale-coloured stools
• itchy skin.
Next steps
Seek urgent medical advice
If you have not been diagnosed with a condition known to cause jaundice, such as liver disease, seek advice from a doctor URGENTLY.
Potential tumor location
Pancreas head
A tumor in the head part of the pancreas is more likely to be near the bile duct.
Fatty stool
Fatty stools, also called steatorrhoea, is characterised by stools that:
• are pale and loose
• smell especially bad
• are diffcult to flush down the toilet.
Next steps
Seek advice within 2 weeks
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that is known to cause problems absorbing fat, such as coeliac disease, please discuss this symptom with your GP at your next appointment. If you have not been diagnosed with a condition that is known to cause fat malabsorption, seek advice from a general practitioner within 2 weeks.
Potential tumor location
Pancreas body & tail
A tumor in the body part of the pancreas is more likely to be near the celiac nerve.
A tumor in the tail part of the pancreas can press on the stomach and small intestine.
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained loss of weight of about 5% of your original weight within 6 months.
Next steps
Seek advice within 2 weeks
If you have experienced rapid loss of weight for no reason, seek advice from a doctor within 2 weeks.
Advise your doctor if you have also experienced any of the following symptoms, as these may assist with investigations:
• Upper back pain that is not due to injury or known musculoskeletal concern
• Abdominal pain (any kind)
• Nausea
• Changed bowel habits
Potential tumor location
Pancreas head & tail
A tumor in the tail part of the pancreas can press on the stomach and small intestine.
A tumor in the head part of the pancreas is more likely to be near the bile duct.
New onset diabetes
A recent diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that is not caused by pregnancy or use of steroid medications, and you are aged 40 years or over.
Next steps
Discuss with your doctor
Discuss the possibility of pancreatic problems with your doctor. Advise your doctor if you also have:
• Pain in your abdomen or back
• A family history of pancreatic disease
• A personal history of pancreatitis
• Consumed cigarettes regularly within the past 10 years
• Consumed more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day within the past 10 years.
Hard to manage diabetes
Pre-existing diabetes mellitus that has been well managed for at least 12 months, but where blood sugar levels have recently become unstable for no clear reason (e.g. not due to use of steroid medication) and you are aged 40 years or over..
Next steps
Seek advice within 6 weeks
If your diabetes mellitus is not well controlled within 6 weeks, discuss the possibility of pancreatic problems with your doctor. Advise your doctor if you also have:
• Pain in your abdomen or back
• A family history of pancreatic disease
• A personal history of pancreatitis
• Consumed cigarettes regularly within the past 10 years
• Consumed more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day within the past 10 years.
Nausea
Nausea that is not caused by other factors such as infection, starting a new medication, or changing diet, and you are 50 years or over.
Next steps
Seek advice within 1 month
Discuss the possibility of pancreatic problems with your doctor. Advise your doctor if you also have:
• Pain in your abdomen or back
• A family history of pancreatic disease
• A personal history of pancreatitis
• Consumed cigarettes regularly within the past 10 years
• Consumed more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day within the past 10 years.
Potential tumor location
Pancreas head & tail
A tumor in the head part of the pancreas is more likely to be near the bile duct.
A tumor in the tail part of the pancreas can press on the stomach and small intestine.
Loss of appetite
Ongoing feeling of not wanting to eat, feeling full after eating a small amount, or changes in food and drink
preferences.
Next steps
Seek advice within 1 month
Discuss the possibility of pancreatic problems with your doctor. Advise your doctor if you also have:
• Pain in your abdomen or back
• A family history of pancreatic disease
Potential tumor location
Pancreas tail
A tumor in the tail part of the pancreas can press on the stomach and small intestine.
Pankind is proud to have collaborated with the team of talented researchers at QIMR Berghofer on the symptoms description and recommended next steps.
Pankind thank Let’s win for the information on potential tumour location.