Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

The pancreas is a digestive organ responsible for the production of enzymes and hormones. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading killer among cancers. The 5-year survival rate of someone with pancreatic cancer is only 5 percent.
  1. Time Frame

    • Most people with pancreatic cancer rarely show signs until the disease has progressed to an advanced state and has metastasized to the nearby lymph nodes, lungs and liver.

    First Symptoms

    • The first symptoms a person notices are usually abdominal pain and weight loss, due to the location of where cancerous masses typically form.

    Jaundice

    • About 80 percent of people with pancreatic cancer develop jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

    Other Symptoms

    • As the cancer progresses, some people develop pale-colored stools, and experience back pain, nausea, anorexia (lack of appetite) and lethargy.

    Cystadenocarcinoma Symptoms

    • Cystadenocarcinoma is the rarest form of pancreatic cancer. Cancerous cells form tumors in the hormone-secreting parts of the pancreas. Symptoms of cystadenocarcinoma include chills, diarrhea, excessive levels of insulin, weakness and dizziness.

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