Pancreatic cancer, in the early stages, does not show any symptoms but grows silently and painlessly. Only when the enlarging tumor starts to press against other organs nearby do symptoms of this disease appear. It is thus usually not diagnosed until an advanced stage. However, this makes it all the more crucial to be aware of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer, so you can avail medical help at the first sign of the condition. The correct diagnosis rules out the possibilities of other medical conditions, and you can start the right treatment immediately.

1. Jaundice

When a cancerous tumor in the pancreas blocks the bile duct, it causes jaundice, a condition in which there is a build-up of bilirubin in the body. This component of bile containing a lot of yellow pigment is usually made by the liver and excreted by the body. But when the bile duct is blocked, bile remains in the body instead of moving to the intestine. It turns the skin and the whites of the eyes yellow in color. The skin becomes dry and itchy, the urine turns darker, and there is a discoloration of the stools along with greasiness in them.

2. Abdominal pain and back pain
Intermittent dull pain in the abdomen that can sometimes extend to the back is a common pancreatic cancer symptom. It happens especially when there is cancer in the body and tail of the pancreas. When the tumor starts to press against the nerves of surrounding organs, pain is inevitable. It worsens after eating or when lying down.

3. Gastrointestinal issues

Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, nausea, and vomiting are typical early warning signs of pancreatic cancer. When the malignant tumor grows, it can cause uncomfortable swelling in the abdomen. Cancer can block the stomach and make it difficult for food to pass through the digestive system smoothly. This leads to indigestion, nausea, or vomiting, especially after a meal. Over time, these could result in the loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.

4. Swollen gallbladder

Swelling of the gallbladder and enlargement of the liver (Hepatomegaly) are two common early symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Because the bile duct is blocked, its contents get accumulated in the gallbladder. This fluid accumulation makes it swell and puff out.

5. Blood clots

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT refers to blood clots in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs, and is one of the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer. These blood clots can cause swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected portion of the leg. When a clot breaks away, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges itself in the lungs, it can cause chest pain and result in breathing difficulties. This medical condition is called pulmonary embolism. It happens when a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in the lungs.

6. Diabetes
Although not common, one of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer is the onset of diabetes. The destruction of insulin-producing cells results in high blood sugar. Diabetes can cause an increased feeling of hunger and thirst, and also a constant sensation of needing to urinate.