The pancreas, along with the liver, is called the "silent organ." Because pancreatic cancer often does not show clear symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, it is important to recognize the "warning signals" sent by the pancreas in advance. Learn about the warning signs that appear when the pancreas is damaged.

 

Abdominal pain

 

If you experience unexplained abdominal pain along with other symptoms, pancreatic cancer or acute pancreatitis should be suspected. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom, and the pain varies depending on the condition or location. The pancreas is located near the back, so patients may also complain of back pain along with abdominal pain. If the pain is sudden, intense, and centered in the middle of the abdomen, it could be acute pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatic cancer include ▲persistent abdominal pain for several weeks, ▲indigestion, ▲loss of appetite, ▲reduced food intake due to pain, and ▲weight loss.

Nausea and diarrhea after greasy foods

 

The pancreas is the only digestive organ that produces enzymes to help break down fats. Diseases that affect the pancreas can impair the body's ability to digest fats. If you experience nausea after eating high-fat foods that you didn't notice before, it is advisable to check your pancreatic health. Especially, high-fat hamburgers can cause nausea, and foods like avocados and nuts with high fat content can have the same effect.

If you have pancreatic disease, you may experience greasy diarrhea. Among the three major nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins are digested by enzymes secreted in organs other than the pancreas, so absorption issues are minimal, but fats are only digested and absorbed by enzymes secreted from the pancreas. This not only results in the inability to break down fats and absorb essential fatty acids but also can cause malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K. When pancreatic disease occurs, enzyme secretion becomes difficult, leading to lighter-colored stool with decreased density.

 

Weight loss

 

I didn't try to diet, but a decrease in weight could be a sign that your pancreatic health is deteriorating. Especially if your appetite has decreased due to pancreatic cancer, you may eat less and lose weight easily. If you have lost more than 5% of your usual weight over six months without any special reason, or about 4.5kg regardless of the period, it is advisable to visit a hospital.

 

Diabetes mellitus

 

Sudden onset of diabetes is also a warning sign of pancreatic damage. Diabetes can be both a cause and a result of pancreatic cancer. Among pancreatic cells, beta cells are responsible for insulin secretion that regulates blood sugar levels. When conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer progress, pancreatic cells are destroyed, and these beta cells are also damaged. As a result, diabetes may develop or previously well-controlled diabetes may worsen. In fact, 90% of patients with chronic pancreatitis develop diabetes as the disease progresses. If a person over 50 develops or experiences a sudden worsening of diabetes without obesity or other specific risk factors such as family history, screening for pancreatic cancer is absolutely necessary.

 

 

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Is it the upper part of the pancreas?

If you frequently experience indigestion and abdominal pain

It is said that we should suspect pancreatic disease.