Poor appetite/weight loss
Unintentional weight loss is very common in people with pancreatic cancer. Often, these patients experience decreased or no appetite, bloating and indigestion. For some people, another issue leading to poor appetite and weight loss is nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal pain
People with pancreatic cancer often experience upper abdominal and/or mid back pain. This may be caused by the tumor pushing on or invading organs or structures around the pancreas. Pain also occurs if the tumor is blocking the digestive tract.
Jaundice/Itchy skin
People who are experiencing the yellowing of their skin and eyes are jaundiced. This is caused by high bilirubin counts in their blood. When a person is jaundiced, they may experience itchiness all over their skin, abnormally dark urine and light clay-coloured stools.
Fatigue
People with any of the mentioned symptoms above, often find they become more tired more quickly with any activity/work. These people require more rest periods and may not be able to complete normal work levels as they did before becoming symptomatic.
Late-Onset Diabetes
Because the pancreas regulates our insulin levels, often people with a pancreatic tumor, develop the late onset of Diabetes Mellitus. This can be regulated with diabetic medications.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur when a pancreatic mass is pressing on the digestive tract. Medications can be given to assist in preventing these symptoms from lasting indefinitely. When a patient experiences nausea and vomiting, it can lead to poor appetite, dehydration and weight loss.
