Irving, TX – Nov 23, 2018 –Pancreatic cancer symptoms vary in every patient according to the tumor location in the pancreas. Most Malignancies of the disease are often found inside the pancreas head while about 25% of the malignancies occur in the body or tail of the pancreas. Exocrine cancers, commonly known as adenocarcinoma originate from the head of the pancreas and are the most common types of pancreatic cancer. Neuroendocrine cancers are less common, and they are often benign. These two type of cancers exhibit different symptoms and prognoses.

"Early-stage pancreatic cancers do not present any signs or symptoms," explains Dr. Echt. “By the time the symptoms show, the cancer is already spread beyond the pancreas. If you notice any symptoms, it’s important to get checked by your doctor immediately to identify the cause and have it treated.”

Below are the different signs and symptoms of exocrine pancreatic cancer:

• Jaundice and related symptoms – Most pancreatic cancer patients have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) as a symptom. The jaundice is usually caused by a build-up of bilirubin which is a dark yellow-brown substance secreted in the liver. The liver excretes bilirubin as part of bile which is used by the intestines to break down fats. When the bile duct is blocked, the bilirubin in the body builds up to cause jaundice. Exocrine cancers are near the common bile duct and can press on it and cause jaundice while they are still developing and can easily be identified and treated. Late stage pancreatic cancers that have spread to the liver can also lead to jaundice.

• Dark urine – Jaundice causes dark urine. The bilirubin levels in the blood increase and turn urine into brown color.

• Light-coloured or greasy stools - Bilirubin in normal circumstances gives stool the brown color. When the bile duct is blocked, stool may appear gray or pale and also, when the bile and pancreatic enzymes cannot get to the intestines to break down fats, the stool turns greasy and floats in the toilet.

• Itchy skin – The build-up of bilirubin causes the skin to turn yellow and start to itch.

• Belly or back pain – Pancreatic cancer causes pain in the abdomen and back. Cancers that develop in the tail or body of the pancreas can enlarge and start pressing on the nearby organs causing pain. The cancer may also progress to the nerves around the pancreas and cause back pain.

• Nausea and vomiting – when cancer presses on the far end of the stomach, it can block it partly and make it hard for food to pass through. This causes vomiting, nausea and pain that worsens after eating.

“It is important to note that many other diseases and conditions other than pancreatic cancer could cause similar signs and symptoms highlighted,” continued Dr. Echt. “Seek professional input from your physicians when you experience these warning signs.”

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.

Visit them at https://helpfightpancreaticcancer.org/facts-about-pancreatic-cancer/signs-symptoms/ to know more.