A number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting in the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver. In patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, jaundice occurs because of an obstruction in the bile duct due to cancerous tumor formation.
In addition to jaundice characterized by yellow skin and eye color, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer also includes dark urine, pale or greasy stool, and severe itching sensations. Interestingly enough, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer is painless.
For many, the first sign that something is seriously amiss is the appearance of jaundice, especially if the tumor is located at the head of the pancreas. This is because, being visually apparent, it is likely to prompt medical intervention sooner than other, less obvious, signs.
It is, however, worth noting that other, less serious, ailments can cause jaundice, including gallstones or liver problems. Nevertheless, if jaundice appears suddenly without an obvious cause, it is still considered an emergency
The early detection of jaundice can, in some instances, result in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, which is vital due to the speed with which it can progress.
Weight loss
Losing significant amount of weight because of no apparent reason is one of the signs of cancer in general, including pancreatic cancer
For pancreatic cancer, unexpected weight loss occurs for several reasons. Pancreatic cancer accelerates metabolism, causing the body to burn more calories than usual. At the same time, appetite is reduced. In addition, the pancreas fails to produce digestive enzymes, making it difficult for the body to digest food.
Some people also experience early satiety, which means they feel full even when they have only taken a little food. This reduces the amount of calories they take.
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems may also be a primary symptom of pancreatic cancer, as the pancreas secretes enzymes that help in the proper digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
When this process is interfered with by cancer, it may result in improper digestion, thereby causing bloating, nausea, and discomfort in the stomach after meals. The primary symptom may also include oily, greasy, and smelly stools that may float in the toilet bowl due to improper fat digestion