Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer: back pain, lower back pain, diarrhea, and skin changes.

We've compiled a detailed list of common early symptoms of pancreatic cancer, ranging from back pain, diarrhea, skin changes (such as jaundice), to weight loss and indigestion. Check out our guide to early detection, treatment, and helpful food options.

 

Pancreatic cancer: Why is early detection difficult?

Because the pancreas is located deep inside the body, behind the stomach, it is not easily detected with minor changes.

That's why pancreatic cancer is called the 'silent cancer.'

 

Initially, it may present only with mild symptoms such as simple indigestion or abdominal discomfort, which can easily be mistaken for a stomach disease or stress-related problem.

 

However, as cancer progresses, more noticeable signs emerge, such as pain, digestive problems, and skin changes. Therefore, even subtle symptoms that persist for a long time should be investigated.

 

 

 

Summary of Key Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

 

1. Back pain and lower back pain

- Upper abdominal discomfort may radiate to the back or lower back as the nerves behind the pancreas become compressed.
- Unlike simple muscle pain, it is characterized by pain that worsens after eating or when lying down.

 

 

2. Abdominal pain

- Pain may begin in the groin area or upper abdomen and radiate to the back.
- At first it appears intermittently, but gradually becomes more persistent and intense.

 

3. Indigestion and nausea

- Eating food can cause a bloated and indigested feeling that lasts for a long time.
- It may overlap with gastritis, reflux esophagitis, etc., but if symptoms persist for a long time, a checkup is necessary.

 

4. Diarrhea and changes in stool

- If the pancreas is not functioning properly, fat is not digested, resulting in repeated loose stools, oily stools, and diarrhea.
- It is also characteristic that the stool is light-colored, floats on water, and has a strong odor.

 

 

5. Skin changes (jaundice)

- Symptoms may include yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark-colored urine, and light-colored stool.
- This occurs when the bile duct is blocked by a tumor, and may be at a relatively advanced stage.

 

6. Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite

- There are cases where you suddenly lose weight or your appetite decreases without any changes in your lifestyle habits.
- This phenomenon occurs due to a lack of digestive enzymes and metabolic changes.

 

 

7. Sudden Diagnosis of Diabetes

- If a person who previously maintained normal blood sugar levels is suddenly diagnosed with diabetes, or if an existing diabetic patient has difficulty controlling their diabetes, a pancreatic problem may be suspected.

 

8. General fatigue and lethargy

- Fatigue may become severe without any specific cause, and daily activities may become difficult.

 

 

If you have these symptoms, you may have pancreatic cancer!

 

• Lately, for no reason I lost weight

• Unlike usual I have indigestion

• Pain in the back or waist after eating This is getting worse

• Diarrhea, oily stools, changes in stool color appears

• Eyes and skin turned yellow

• Urine color becomes darker and stool becomes lighter.

• suddenly Diabetes diagnosis received

• without any special reason Fatigue and lethargy This is serious

- Back pain and abdominal discomfort If these symptoms appear at the same time, do not simply consider them muscle pain or indigestion, but get checked out.

- Changes in bowel condition (Color, smell, oiliness) are easy to miss, but can be important clues.

- If your skin or eyes turn yellow or your urine becomes darker We recommend that you see a specialist immediately.

 

 

How to diagnose pancreatic cancer

If pancreatic cancer is suspected, the following tests are usually performed.

- Abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI
- Blood tests (tumor markers such as CA 19-9)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- ERCP or MRCP (biliary and pancreatic imaging)
- Tissue examination

 

 

pancreatic cancer treatment methods

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the location and stage of the cancer and the patient's health.

- Surgery: Radical resection is the most effective method when detected early.
- Chemotherapy: Performed when surgery is not possible or the risk of recurrence is high.
- Radiation therapy: For pain relief or to reduce the size of the cancer.
- Immuno-targeted therapy: A new treatment being tried in some patients.

 

Because early detection is difficult, regular checkups and risk factor management are paramount.

 

 

Helpful Lifestyle Tips & Foods

There are also lifestyle habits that can help prevent pancreatic cancer or manage it after treatment.

- Abstinence from alcohol and smoking: These are the biggest factors that harm pancreatic health.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor, so weight management is necessary.
- Healthy eating habits: It is recommended to eat antioxidant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
- Reduce fatty foods and processed foods: These can put a strain on the pancreas.
- Regular exercise: Helps maintain immune and metabolic health.

 

 

conclusion

Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are similar to common everyday symptoms, such as indigestion, back and waist pain, stool changes, and jaundice, making them easy to overlook. However, if multiple symptoms occur simultaneously or persist for a long period of time, you should definitely seek medical attention.

 

Pancreatic cancer is one of those cancers for which early detection is crucial. Don't ignore even the slightest changes in your body's signals, and protect yourself with healthy lifestyle habits and regular checkups.

 

 

 

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