Early symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer

The early symptoms and precursors of pancreatic cancer are usually not specific, and mainly include upper abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, decreased appetite, etc. When these symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, clarify the condition through examination and take treatment measures.

1Upper abdominal pain and back discomfort

In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, symptoms often include dull pain in the upper abdomen, which sometimes spreads to the back. This type of pain is usually intermittent or mild, and can be easily mistaken for stomach or gallbladder disease. If the pain persists for a long time and gradually worsens, it needs to be taken seriously and checked in time.

2Sudden weight loss

Pancreatic cancer affects the normal function of the pancreas, leading to abnormal digestion and absorption. Patients often experience unexplained weight loss in a short period of time. This symptom requires high vigilance, especially when it occurs without changing eating or exercise habits.

3. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Pancreatic cancer may compress the bile duct, causing bile stasis, resulting in yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, accompanied by darker urine and lighter stools. Jaundice is a typical but late-stage symptom of pancreatic cancer, and should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Loss of appetite and indigestion

Patients may experience persistent stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and even frequent bloating after eating. Pancreatic cancer interferes with the secretion of digestive enzymes, leading to these digestive system symptoms.

5. Diabetes or abnormal changes in blood sugar

In some cases, early stage pancreatic cancer can interfere with the pancreas's ability to secrete insulin, and patients may suddenly develop symptoms of diabetes such as increased drinking, increased urination, and increased appetite, or a sudden worsening of existing diabetes.

If you or someone around you has the above symptoms, you need to go to the hospital for a detailed examination as soon as possible. Common examination methods include: abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI examination and tumor markers such as CA19-9. It is difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer in the early stage, but timely medical treatment may improve the treatment effect.

Once diagnosed, treatment needs to be personalized according to the condition, including surgical resection such as pancreaticoduodenectomy, chemotherapy such as gemcitabine combined with other drugs and radiotherapy. Adjuvant therapy such as maintaining nutritional status and reducing jaundice is also critical. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and actively cooperating with treatment can improve prognosis.

The early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are relatively hidden but cannot be ignored. Once any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time to consult a professional for scientific diagnosis and standardized treatment to reduce the harm caused by the disease.