Five Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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The five major symptoms of early pancreatic cancer patients include abdominal pain, jaundice, abdominal distension, diarrhea, fatigue, and more, among which the occurrence of abdominal pain is higher. Many patients with early pancreatic cancer experience persistent and hidden abdominal pain without other clinical symptoms, which often leads to missed opportunities for early diagnosis; Secondly, jaundice is also a main manifestation of early pancreatic cancer, particularly in the head of the pancreas, mainly due to the tumor causing obstructive jaundice; Thirdly, abdominal distension, which is generally a mild distension and often does not significantly attract clinical attention; Fourthly, patients often feel a general fatigue, which is difficult to alleviate with ordinary treatment methods; Lastly, diarrhea, which is often due to abnormal secretion of digestive fluids caused by the pathology, leading to diarrhea.

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Classification of the Malignancy of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can also be described as a malignant tumor occurring in the pancreas, generally with a high malignancy level, resulting in a higher probability of patient death. To understand the classification of pancreatic cancer, it can be categorized based on the location of occurrence within the pancreas and the pathological type. Based on the location of occurrence, pancreatic cancer can generally be divided into cancers of the pancreatic head, body, tail, and entire pancreas. According to the pathological types of pancreatic cancer, it can be classified into ductal adenocarcinoma, and also some special types of ductal-origin cancers, which generally include pleomorphic carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, and signet ring cell carcinoma, among others.

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Is pancreatic cancer contagious?

Pancreatic cancer, like other malignant tumors, is not contagious. Therefore, in clinical settings, including patients' families and accompanying healthcare staff often ask doctors if they might catch the disease while interacting with cancer patients. It is important to educate that malignant tumors, including pancreatic cancer, are not contagious. Contagious diseases refer to chronic conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, AIDS, etc., which can spread through contact with bodily fluids or blood of the affected individuals. However, malignant tumors are not infectious.

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What department should pancreatic cancer patients see?

For the treatment of pancreatic cancer, if it is in the early stages and the surgeons assess that surgery is feasible, surgical treatment is the main approach. If surgery is not feasible according to the surgeon's assessment, or if the cancer is found at an advanced stage without the opportunity for surgery, then the treatment involves chemotherapy or some symptomatic supportive treatments. Therefore, patients at their first consultation should initially visit the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery to see if surgery is possible, and then consult the Department of Oncology for further treatment steps, especially for patients who do not have the opportunity for surgery, who need to visit the Department of Oncology.

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What does pancreatic cancer ascites mean?

When pancreatic cancer causes ascites, particularly a large amount, we can collect the ascites to search for cancer cells. This generally indicates peritoneal metastasis, or metastasis above the liver which can also cause substantial ascites. In such cases, it typically signifies that the disease has progressed to a late stage, classified as stage IV. Patients in this category are unable to undergo surgery and their treatment primarily involves chemotherapy. If the patient's overall condition is good, chemotherapy can be chosen. If the patient's condition is relatively poor, targeted therapy or oral anti-angiogenesis medications may be selected to control the pancreatic cancer and manage the tumor. If the patient's condition is particularly poor, the approach involves placing a peritoneal drainage tube to remove the ascites and providing the best possible symptomatic supportive care.

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Can acute pancreatitis turn into pancreatic cancer?

Acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are two diseases that occur in the same organ, the pancreas. However, acute pancreatitis is entirely an inflammatory change, often caused by gallstones, alcohol consumption, binge eating, and hyperlipidemia, with some cases being idiopathic. Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, is a tumorous lesion and is a malignant tumor that generally requires surgery. Many pancreatic cancer patients are already in the advanced stages when discovered, making the surgery difficult to perform. The prognosis for patients is also completely different. After the onset of acute pancreatitis and treatment, the pancreas recovers, the inflammation subsides, and it does not affect a person's lifespan. However, if pancreatic cancer is clearly diagnosed, the lifespan oftentimes does not extend beyond a few years.