The U.S. American Cancer Society (ASC) provides detailed information about symptoms of pancreas cancer in an article titled, “How is Cancer of the Pancreas Diagnosed?” The (author unknown) article was last revised 05/12/2009, and is published on the ASC web site.
The ASC is a nationwide organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its mission is “...dedicated to eliminating cancer...preventing cancer... diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.”
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
If one or more signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are present, medical tests should be conducted to determine if the symptoms are caused by cancer of the pancreas or another medical problem, according to the ASC article. The ASC lists of symptoms are:
- Yellow tint to skin and eyes, and skin itching (jaundice).
- Stools lighter than normal and brown urine.
- Pain in the back or abdominal area.
- Loss of weight and appetite.
- Problems digesting food.
- Gallbladder enlarges.
- Vein blood clot in leg (DVT).
- Lung blood clot.
- Fatty tissue under skin becomes uneven.
- Diabetes (rare symptom).
- Family medical history.
- Swelling of lymph nodes.
ASC states that “Cancer is not the most common cause of jaundice [yellowing of skin and eyes].” Jaundice may, however, may be due to liver cancer, hepatitis, and gallstones. The ASC advises that cancer originating in the pancreas can spread through the lymph nodes to cause lung cancer, melanoma, prostrate cancer, breast cancer, as well as other cancer types.
Pancreas Cancer Imaging Tests
A variety of “imaging tests” to determine the presence of pancreas cancer is listed by the ASC. Imaging tests may include:
- CAT scan (computed tomography).
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- PET scan (positron emission tomography).
- Ultrasonography (ultrasound).
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is when a lighted tube is passed down the throat).
- X-ray (angiography).
Other tests can be performed for pancreatic cancer, according to the ASC article. A blood test can determine if jaundice is due to other problems such as liver disease, tumor, or gallstones. A biopsy can be performed to determine if the pancreas tissue sample is cancerous.
Pancreas Function
According to the Farlex Medical Dictionary on-line, the pancreas function “...secretes hormones into the bloodstream and digestive enzymes into the small intestine or gut...secretes sodium bicarbonate, which protects the lining of the intestine...neutralizing acids from the stomach.” The dictionary states that the pancreas is irregularly shaped and long. Its location is behind the stomach.
The symptoms listed, by the American Cancer Society, may or may not be caused by pancreatic cancer. These warning signs, however, should not be ignored and medical advice should be sought. A variety of tests are available to determine cause of the ACS listed symptoms. The pancreas is a vital body organ, according to the Farlex Medical Dictionary, whose functions are to secrete “insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin” into the bloodstream.
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