Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Early Detection

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.

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.