Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms to Know About

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms to Know About

Pancreatic cancer is serious cancer and illness that affects nearly 57,000 Americans each year according to recent statistics. Pancreatic cancer begins in your pancreas within the tissues and can then spread to other parts of the body. This cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose early because when it is in the early stages and solely in the pancreas many people do not show symptoms.

Once cancer spreads to other areas of the body the cancer is more deadly and starts to show many symptoms. Here are some of the top symptoms of pancreatic cancer:

1. Jaundice
One of the main symptoms that most people experience when they are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is jaundice. This symptom shows itself as yellowing of your skin and yellowing of your eyes. When your skin and eye whites start to turn yellow it is a sign that something is seriously wrong and you need to visit a doctor immediately.

2. Abdominal or upper back pain
Many people may experience pain in their upper back and upper abdomen after working out, moving furniture, or lifting anything heavy. If you notice chronic and constant pain in these areas and you have not done anything strenuous you should see a doctor.

3. Fatty or light colored stools
If you notice that your stool changes color or changes consistency you should see a doctor. This type of light color and fatty stool is often referred to in the medical world as steatorrhea. This symptom may also be associated with dark-colored urine. If you notice changes to your bowels you should record what it looks like so that you can give your doctor all of the information that you have.

4. Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss does not refer to losing a couple of pounds, but it refers to losing a decent amount of your total body weight. If you weigh 300 pounds and lose 10 it may not be a big deal, however, if you only weigh 130 and lose 10 that is considered to be a lot of weight. Unexplained weight loss only refers to losing weight without trying. If you are dieting or exercising you will likely lose weight.

5. Loss of appetite
If you start to experience a loss of appetite this should be a concern. If the foods you used to love and crave do not sound appetizing to you anymore you should seek medical advice and help. This could be an early symptom that pancreatic cancer has spread.

6. Fatigue
Everyone experiences fatigue at different points in their lives, but if you notice chronic fatigue for over a week you should seek help. If you are too tired to get out of bed in the morning or cannot wait to take a nap by the afternoon it could be an early warning sign.

7. Nausea and vomiting
Anytime you throw up or feel nauseous there could be an underlying cause for concern. If you notice that you are throwing up on a regular basis you need to contact your doctor right away.

8. Indigestion
Indigestion can be caused by various things, like eating too late or even eating acidic food before bed. If you have never had indigestion before and start to have it or have it more than you used to you should seek help.