Nine Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don’t appear when the cancer is in its early stages, making it difficult to diagnose. Because of this, it is especially important to be aware of the possible symptoms pancreatic cancer can cause. Be mindful of what is normal for you and your body, and promptly report any new or unusual symptoms to a physician.
What are the signs of pancreatic cancer?
Common signs of pancreatic cancer include:
- Pain in the abdomen and back
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Changes in stools (constipation or diarrhea)
- Unintentional weight loss
- New-onset diabetes
- Enlargement of the gallbladder
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite and other digestive difficulties
Symptoms of advanced-stage pancreatic cancer
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there are other symptoms associated with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer, including:
- Blood clots that form in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis)
- A swollen or distended abdomen caused by a buildup of fluid
It is important to remember that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer. There are a number of other conditions that can cause these symptoms, and only a medical professional can provide you with an accurate diagnosis. If you are showing any of these symptoms, follow up with a physician as quickly as you can.
Moffitt Cancer Center’s approach to pancreatic cancer
One place you can go to for pancreatic cancer diagnostic and treatment services is Moffitt Cancer Center. Since Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, we treat more patients with uncommon malignancies such as pancreatic cancer than other, smaller cancer centers. As such, the multispecialty cancer experts in our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program have gained unparalleled experience diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, which they use to develop individualized treatment plans for every patient who comes to Moffitt.
If you are showing symptoms of pancreatic cancer and would like to speak with a Moffitt physician, schedule a consultation by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing a new patient registration form online. You do not need a referral to make an appointment.