Medically reviewed by Gregory R. Veillette, MD
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early. The pancreas sits deep inside the abdomen, and tumors may grow for some time before causing noticeable problems. When symptoms do develop, they can be easy to explain away as indigestion, back pain or another common health issue.
Most of these symptoms are much more likely to have another cause. Still, knowing what to watch for can help you recognize when a change deserves a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Pain that keeps coming back
Pain in the upper abdomen or middle of the back can have many explanations. It might seem like a pulled muscle or a digestive problem. Pancreatic cancer can also cause pain in these areas as a tumor grows and presses on nearby tissue or nerves. Some people notice that the discomfort spreads from the abdomen toward the back.
Pay attention to pain that does not improve, keeps returning or feels different from what you normally experience.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss can be easy to overlook, especially if it happens gradually. Pancreatic cancer can affect the way the body digests and absorbs food. Some people may also lose their appetite or feel full after eating less than usual.
Losing a noticeable amount of weight without changing your diet or activity level is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Changes in your stool or urine
What you notice in the bathroom can sometimes offer an early clue that bile is not flowing normally through the digestive system. A pancreatic tumor can block the bile duct. When that happens, urine may become much darker than usual. Stools may become pale or greasy and harder to flush.
Gallbladder and liver conditions can cause similar changes, and persistent symptoms should still be checked.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Jaundice is one of the more recognizable symptoms linked with pancreatic cancer. It happens when bilirubin, a substance found in bile, builds up in the body.
Some people notice that the whites of their eyes look yellow before they see a change in their skin. Jaundice may also be accompanied by itching.
Because jaundice can have several causes, it should be evaluated promptly.
A new change in blood sugar
The pancreas helps control blood sugar by producing insulin. In some people, pancreatic cancer can interfere with that process. A person who has never had problems with blood sugar may suddenly develop diabetes, or existing diabetes may become harder to control.
Diabetes is very common and is usually unrelated to pancreatic cancer. Still, an unexpected change may prompt your provider to consider it if other symptoms or risk factors are present.
Digestive problems that do not improve
Indigestion and changes in appetite are common, so they can be easy to dismiss. A pancreatic tumor may interfere with digestion or press on nearby parts of the digestive tract. Some people feel unusually full after eating a small amount or notice ongoing discomfort after meals.
Symptoms that continue for weeks or start affecting how much you can eat deserve a closer look.
Know what is normal for you
There is no single symptom that clearly identifies pancreatic cancer, and many possible symptoms are much more commonly caused by other conditions.
The key is to notice changes that are unusual for you and do not go away. Tell your healthcare provider what you have been experiencing and how long it has been happening.
If you have been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor or need another opinion about treatment, WMCHealth offers specialized care for pancreatic conditions. Learn more about surgical oncology at WMCHealth or call 914.493.7000 to make an appointment.