Early symptoms and pain location of pancreatic cancer

The early symptoms of pancreatic cancer may not be obvious, but the patient may experience dull pain in the upper abdomen or back. The pain is mostly concentrated in the middle or left part of the upper abdomen, and often worsens continuously or intermittently. If similar symptoms occur, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for relevant examinations.

1. Dull pain in the upper abdomen or back:

The pancreas is located at the back of the upper abdomen, below the ribs. Its lesions may cause dull pain or distending pain in the middle or left part of the upper abdomen. Some people feel pain radiating to the back. The pain is usually related to posture, worsening when lying on your back and slightly relieved when leaning forward. The characteristics and degree of pain may vary depending on the size of the lesion and the location of invasion. It is recommended that if the pain persists or recurs, go to the hospital for abdominal ultrasound or CT examination in time to clarify the cause.

2. Digestive tract discomfort:

The pancreas is closely related to digestive function. Its lesions may affect the secretion of pancreatic juice, leading to digestive tract symptoms such as repeated nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or unexplained diarrhea. These symptoms may be mistaken for gastritis or other common gastrointestinal diseases, but if they persist for a long time, high vigilance is required. Gastroscopy and serum tumor marker tests such as CA19-9 can help with early diagnosis.

3. Jaundice

If the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas, it may compress the bile duct, obstructing the outflow of bile, causing yellowing of the skin and sclera, accompanied by darker urine and lighter stool. Even if there is no obvious pain, this is an important warning sign of pancreatic cancer and you need to see a doctor immediately to check the bile duct system.

4. Sudden onset of diabetes or blood sugar fluctuations:

The pancreas is an important organ for secreting insulin. Pancreatic cancer may cause abnormal changes in blood sugar levels, which may manifest as new-onset diabetes or difficulty controlling blood sugar in patients with existing diabetes. This change is often overlooked, but it has a certain suggestive value for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Patients with sudden changes in blood sugar can be further confirmed by combining imaging examinations.

If you find possible symptoms of early pancreatic cancer, you should seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Regular physical examinations are recommended, especially for people with a family history of pancreatic cancer, a high-fat diet, or a history of chronic pancreatitis.