Symptoms of Pancreas Cancer

The pancreas is an organ that creates hormones and enzymes that help with digestion. Of the leading causes of death in America, pancreatic cancer comes in fourth. It is not only difficult to diagnose, but also has a fast-growing nature, with 90 percent of those diagnosed after the age of 55.

Diagnosis

• Symptoms come on so gradually that often they go unnoticed or are blamed on another condition. Unfortunately, this means that there is usually no diagnosis of pancreatic cancer until the latter stages when the cancer may have already moved into other areas of the body.

Jaundice

• The whites of the eyes and skin yellowing or jaundice is common in half of the patients at the time of their diagnosis. This is caused when the bile duct is blocked, most often from a growing tumor.

Stomach Pain

• Pain, both in the back and stomach, is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. Many times this leads to loss of appetite and weight loss.

Insulin

• An over-abundance of insulin may be produced by the pancreas, making the person dizzy and weak.

Miscellaneous Symptoms

• Diarrhea, muscle spasms and chills may also arise in some people.