What are some symptoms of early pancreatic cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on January 02, 2025
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Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer generally do not exhibit many symptoms, as the tumors are relatively small. Clinically, many patients may experience intermittent mild abdominal pain that does not affect their daily lives. A small number of early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms of general fatigue, mild loss of appetite, nausea, mild acid reflux, or other symptoms of indigestion. Additionally, a few patients in the early stages may experience intermittent episodes of diarrhea. Because these symptoms are not distinctive, patients rarely seek medical attention early. When symptoms like significant epigastric pain and jaundice become apparent, it often indicates that the pancreatic cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage.

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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

The clinical manifestations of pancreatic cancer mainly depend on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, whether there is metastasis, and the involvement of adjacent organs. The clinical characteristics include a short disease course, rapid progression, and swift deterioration. The most common symptom is upper abdominal distension and discomfort, pain, though not all patients experience tenderness; if tenderness is present, it aligns with the area of pain felt. Pain is a primary symptom of pancreatic cancer, present whether the cancer is located in the head or the body/tail of the pancreas. Jaundice is a main symptom of cancer in the head of the pancreas, and patients often exhibit more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, most commonly loss of appetite, followed by nausea and vomiting. There might also be diarrhea or constipation, even melena. Diarrhea is often steatorrhea. In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, common symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.

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Written by Liu Liang
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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Written by Zhou Chen
Oncology
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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Ultrasound, CT, MRI, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), PTCD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangio Drainage), angiography, laparoscopy, tumor markers measurement, cancer gene analysis, etc., are significantly helpful in confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and determining whether it is resectable surgically. Generally, ultrasound, CA199, and CEA can be used as screening tests. Once pancreatic cancer is suspected, a CT scan is necessary. If the patient has jaundice, especially severe, and a CT scan cannot confirm the diagnosis, ERCP and PTCD can be considered. If internal drainage is successful, surgery can be delayed for one to two weeks for patients with severe jaundice. The diagnostic value of MRI for pancreatic cancer is not superior to CT. If pancreatic cancer has been confirmed but it is uncertain whether it can be surgically removed, choosing angiography and laparoscopy is also clinically meaningful.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice. During physical examination, a mass in the upper abdomen can be felt, which is a common symptom. When these symptoms appear, further abdominal ultrasound or CT scans should be performed, as these two are the most commonly used imaging methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, pancreatic MRI or PET-CT can also help enhance the diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic cancer. MRCP and ERCP are also used to assess the bile ducts and to evaluate the feasibility of surgery. Blood tests for pancreatic cancer-related tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19-9, are commonly performed, with CA19-9 being particularly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Does pancreatic cancer cause bloody stools?

Patients with pancreatic cancer may exhibit clinical symptoms of bloody stools, and the possible causes are as follows: First, the lesion of pancreatic cancer invades organs and tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, causing damage to the mucous membranes, which clinically results in bloody stools. Second, if the pancreatic cancer metastasizes to the liver, liver function is impaired. Some patients may develop hyperactive splenic function, leading to a decline in platelet counts. When platelet levels drop to a certain extent, spontaneous visceral bleeding can occur, which may also manifest as bloody stools clinically. Third, in the late stages of pancreatic cancer, the disease may cause metastasis to multiple organs, leading to the complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation. This results in impaired coagulation function, making gastrointestinal bleeding likely, which is also clinically manifested as bloody stools.