In addition to jaundice characterized by yellow skin and eye color, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer also includes dark urine, pale or greasy stool, and severe itching sensations. Interestingly enough, jaundice in patients with pancreatic cancer is painless.
For many, the first sign that something is seriously amiss is the appearance of jaundice, especially if the tumor is located at the head of the pancreas. This is because, being visually apparent, it is likely to prompt medical intervention sooner than other, less obvious, signs.
It is, however, worth noting that other, less serious, ailments can cause jaundice, including gallstones or liver problems. Nevertheless, if jaundice appears suddenly without an obvious cause, it is still considered an emergency.
The early detection of jaundice can, in some instances, result in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, which is vital due to the speed with which it can progress.
Weight loss
Losing significant amount of weight because of no apparent reason is one of the signs of cancer in general, including pancreatic cancer.
For pancreatic cancer, unexpected weight loss occurs for several reasons. Pancreatic cancer accelerates metabolism, causing the body to burn more calories than usual. At the same time, appetite is reduced. In addition, the pancreas fails to produce digestive enzymes, making it difficult for the body to digest food.
Some people also experience early satiety, which means they feel full even when they have only taken a little food. This reduces the amount of calories they take.
Digestive Problems
