What are the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, indigestion and back pain. These symptoms may be related to the location and size of the tumor, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving survival rates.

1. Abdominal pain: Pancreatic cancer patients often experience dull pain in the upper or middle abdomen. The pain may radiate to the back and worsen at night. Tumor compression of surrounding tissues or nerves may cause pain. It is recommended to seek medical attention in time for imaging examinations such as CT or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Weight loss: Pancreatic cancer patients may experience unexplained weight loss in a short period of time, which may be related to the tumor consuming a lot of energy or affecting digestive function. Patients should maintain a high-protein, high-calorie diet and consult a nutritionist to develop a personalized nutritional support plan if necessary.

3. Jaundice: Tumors blocking the bile duct may cause jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and light stools. Jaundice indicates that the tumor may be located in the head of the pancreas, and endoscopic retrograde pancreaticobiliary angiography (ERCP) or surgical resection is required as soon as possible to relieve the obstruction.

4. Indigestion: Pancreatic cancer may affect the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Patients can take pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy drugs such as pancreatic enzyme enteric-coated capsules, and adjust their diet structure to avoid greasy and indigestible foods.

5. Back pain: Back pain in pancreatic cancer patients often occurs at the same time as abdominal pain, which may be related to the invasion of the retroperitoneal nerves by the tumor. Pain management includes drug therapy such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids, and nerve block therapy can be performed to relieve pain when necessary.

The early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are diverse and non-specific. Patients should be vigilant and seek medical attention in a timely manner for comprehensive examination and evaluation. Through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, an individualized treatment plan is developed, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., to maximize the treatment effect and the patient's quality of life.