From the Guidelines
The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain, which occurs in approximately 60-70% of patients, often accompanied by weight loss and jaundice 1.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain: constant, dull, and located in the upper abdomen, may radiate to the back
- Weight loss: significant and unexplained
- Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel movements or stool color These symptoms are often non-specific and may be similar to those experienced by people with other conditions, making early diagnosis challenging 1.
Less Common Symptoms
- New-onset diabetes: may be a warning sign, especially in older patients 1
- Pancreatitis: acute or chronic, may be a presentation of pancreatic cancer 1
- Depression: may be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, although the exact relationship is unclear 1 It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
- The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain, which is reported by most patients with advanced pancreatic cancer 2, 3, 4, 5
- Abdominal pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, jaundice, and fatigue 3, 4
- Back pain may also be present, particularly in patients with unresectable tumors 4
Prevalence of Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal pain is reported by up to 90% of patients with pancreatic cancer 5
- The pain is often severe and can be difficult to manage, with many patients requiring opioids and other pain medications 6, 2, 5
- Celiac plexus neurolysis is a procedure that can provide medium-term relief from abdominal pain in patients with pancreatic cancer 2, 5
Other Symptoms
- Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include appetite loss, pale stools, unusual bloating, and unusual belching 3
- Weight loss is also a common symptom, with many patients experiencing significant weight loss prior to diagnosis 3, 4
- Jaundice and dark urine may also be present, particularly in patients with tumors that obstruct the bile duct 3, 4