Signs of pancreatic cancer

The main signs of pancreatic cancer include:

(1) Upper abdominal tenderness: Upper abdominal tenderness is the only early sign of pancreatic cancer. As the tumor develops, the traction reaction caused by the visceral capsule will cause the pain to become increasingly severe.

(2) Hepatomegaly: 50%-70% of patients may have hepatomegaly, mainly due to cholestasis, occasionally due to portal hypertension or cancer metastasis.

(3) Gallbladder enlargement: When pancreatic cancer causes extrahepatic obstructive jaundice, an enlarged gallbladder can sometimes be palpated. According to Courvoisier's rule (painless jaundice - gallbladder enlargement), it is important to make a differential diagnosis from cholelithiasis. However, in reality, less than half of patients with pancreatic cancer and jaundice can palpate an enlarged gallbladder, which may be related to the fact that the enlarged liver covers the enlarged gallbladder and the gallbladder is not large in chronic cholecystitis.

(4) Abdominal mass: The pancreas is located deep in the body, and it is generally difficult for pancreatic cancer patients to palpate an abdominal mass. Once a mass is palpated, whether it is a primary lesion or a metastatic lesion, it usually indicates that the disease is in the late stage.

(5) Abdominal vascular bruits: When pancreatic cancer compresses the superior mesenteric artery, abdominal aorta, or splenic artery, a blowing-like vascular bruit may occur in the abdomen

(6) Ascites: In the late stage of pancreatic cancer, ascites may occur due to peritoneal metastasis, portal vein thrombosis, or cancer compression of the portal vein.

(7) Thrombophlebitis: Pancreatic cancer patients may develop migratory thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis in the lower leg.

(8) Swollen lymph nodes: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer may feel swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, etc.