From the Guidelines
Pancreatic cancer often presents with vague symptoms that can be easily overlooked, including jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal or back pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, new-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes, and changes in stool. These symptoms typically appear gradually and worsen over time 1. The location of the pancreas deep in the abdomen behind other organs makes early detection challenging 1. Some key symptoms to look out for include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal or back pain (often described as a dull pain that radiates to the back)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- New-onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes
- Changes in stool (light-colored, greasy stools or dark urine)
- Fatigue, weakness, and depression may also occur 1. If you experience persistent unexplained symptoms, especially jaundice without pain, unexplained weight loss, or new-onset diabetes combined with other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, as early detection offers the best chance for effective treatment 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can vary, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal or back pain 2, 3, 4
- Jaundice 2, 3
- Weight loss 2, 3, 4
- Pruritus 2
- Nausea/vomiting 2
- Anorexia 3, 4
- Early satiety 3, 4
- Sleep problems 3, 4
- Xerostomia 4
- Dyspnea 4
Intermittent Symptoms
Some patients may experience intermittent symptoms, which can be misleading and may not prompt immediate medical attention 5. These symptoms can include:
- Intermittent abdominal or back pain
- Intermittent gastrointestinal symptoms
Diagnostic Evaluation
Diagnostic workup for pancreatic cancer includes serum chemistries and CA19-9, primarily to monitor disease status and response to treatment 2, 6. Imaging studies, such as pancreatic protocol computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are performed to assess resectability and stage disease 2.
Prognostic Factors
Pre-operative CA 19-9 serum levels can provide useful prognostic information, with patients having normal levels (<37 U/mL) having a prolonged median survival compared to patients with elevated levels (>37 U/mL) 6.