Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which cancer cells (malignant type) are found in tissues of the pancreas. The pancreas is a fish-like gland located behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It has two basic functions. One, it produces pancreatic juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels.
Cancer of the pancreas is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The condition is difficult to detect during its early stages. When you do have pancreatic cancer symptoms, they are often vague or you may not notice them. Also, doctors may not immediately spot the cancer because doctors cannot see or feel the tumors during routine exams.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:
These pancreatic cancer symptoms may be similar to those symptoms of other digestive problems. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away so that your health condition will be treated as early as possible.
Learn more about Cancer of the Pancreas.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Pancreatic Cancer. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/pancreas/page5. Accessed on September 26, 2010.
National Library of Medicine (NLM). Pancreatic Cancer. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pancreaticcancer.html. Accessed on September 26, 2010.
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Cancer of the pancreas is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The condition is difficult to detect during its early stages. When you do have pancreatic cancer symptoms, they are often vague or you may not notice them. Also, doctors may not immediately spot the cancer because doctors cannot see or feel the tumors during routine exams.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- dark urine and pale stools
- pain in the abdomen and back
- nausea and vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- weakness or getting easily fatigued
These pancreatic cancer symptoms may be similar to those symptoms of other digestive problems. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away so that your health condition will be treated as early as possible.
Learn more about Cancer of the Pancreas.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Pancreatic Cancer. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/pancreas/page5. Accessed on September 26, 2010.
National Library of Medicine (NLM). Pancreatic Cancer. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pancreaticcancer.html. Accessed on September 26, 2010.
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