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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Can pancreatic cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Pancreatic cancer can be detected by CT, which shows both direct and indirect signs. The direct signs of pancreatic cancer are manifested as pancreatic masses, which are mostly lobulated. On plain scans, the tumor appears isodense or slightly hypodense compared to the pancreatic parenchyma. When the tumor is large, it appears as a local protrusion, mostly located within the pancreas. In the early phase after enhancement, the tumor enhances less than the surrounding normal pancreatic tissue because pancreatic cancer is a hypovascular tumor. Indirect signs are mainly secondary changes caused by pancreatic cancer, mainly affecting the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct, which can lead to pancreatic duct dilation, characterized by the typical double duct sign.

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Can late-stage pancreatic cancer cause vomiting blood?

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Dietary Taboos for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

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Is there still a cure for pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis?

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The difference between pancreatic tumors and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic tumors include benign and malignant tumors, with malignant pancreatic tumors commonly referred to as pancreatic cancer. Benign pancreatic tumors include insulinomas, pancreatic cysts, lipomas of the pancreas, or fibromas, which are relatively rare in clinical settings. Whether benign or malignant, including pancreatic cancer, symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, among other clinical signs. However, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors requires pathological examination.