Distinguish between pancreatic cancer and stomach disease

Pancreatic cancer and gastric disease have many similarities in symptoms, so how do we distinguish the two diseases? We can mainly distinguish them from the following three points.

1. Persistent upper abdominal pain

Although stomach diseases can also cause upper abdominal pain, antacids can basically control the symptoms and relieve the pain. However, the abdominal pain of pancreatic cancer is not only ineffective with stomach medicine, but also persistent, with basically no obvious relief time. It is difficult to be effective with general antispasmodics and analgesics, and anesthetics are often required. The abdominal pain of pancreatic cancer is also related to body position. The pain is aggravated when lying on the back and extending the spine, and patients often toss and turn at night. Squatting, lying on the side with knees curled up, or sitting forward can relieve the abdominal pain.

2. Jaundice

90% of pancreatic cancer patients have jaundice, which usually occurs about 3 months after the onset of abdominal pain, while patients with stomach pain will not experience jaundice symptoms.

3. Significant weight loss

About 80% of pancreatic cancer patients experience significant weight loss, which can reach 30 kg in a few months, and they gradually become cachectic. However, this does not happen with gastric disease.

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often hidden and often confused with stomach diseases. If you have symptoms similar to pancreatic cancer, you must go to the hospital for examination. Do not treat pancreatic cancer as a stomach disease, which will delay treatment.