Abdominal pain

One of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain. This pain can be dull or sharp and is typically felt in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back or chest. The pain may come and go or be persistent, and it can worsen after eating or lying down. In some cases, the pain may be so severe that it interferes with daily activities.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. It is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer because tumours in the pancreas can block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing properly. Other symptoms of jaundice may include dark urine, light-coloured stools, and itching.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Pancreatic cancer can cause a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. This can occur even if the patient is consuming a normal amount of food. The cancer may affect the body’s ability to digest food properly, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, particularly when the tumour is located in the head of the pancreas. The tumour can block the bile ducts and cause bile to back up into the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Changes in stool

Pancreatic cancer can cause changes in stool, including diarrhoea, constipation, and pale, oily, or foul-smelling stools. These changes may be caused by a blockage in the pancreatic duct, which affects the body’s ability to digest fat.

New-onset diabetes

New-onset diabetes can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, particularly if the patient has no other risk factors for the disease. Pancreatic tumours can affect the production of insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and the development of diabetes.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer. The cancer may cause fatigue by affecting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food or by causing anaemia—a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells.

Back pain

Back pain is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer, particularly when the tumour is located in the body or tail of the pancreas. The pain may be felt in the upper or middle back and may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

Itchy skin

Itchy skin is a less common symptom of pancreatic cancer, but it can occur if the tumour blocks the bile ducts, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. The excess bilirubin can cause itching.

Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for pancreatic cancer, and it is most effective when the tumour is localised to the pancreas and has not spread to other organs. During surgery, the surgeon will remove the tumour along with surrounding tissues, including nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, part or all of the pancreas may need to be removed as well.

The two most common types of surgery for pancreatic cancer are the Whipple procedure and distal pancreatectomy. The Whipple procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and a portion of the stomach. The distal pancreatectomy involves removing the body and tail of the pancreas. Both procedures are complex and carry a risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery to help shrink the tumour or prevent it from coming back. Chemotherapy is also used to treat advanced pancreatic cancer when surgery is not an option.

There are several chemotherapy drugs that can be used to treat pancreatic cancer, including gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, and paclitaxel. These drugs can be given by injection or taken orally. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally using a machine outside the body or internally using radioactive materials placed near the tumour.

Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment option for pancreatic cancer, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

One type of immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of pancreatic cancer is checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to attack by the immune system. Other types of immunotherapy being studied for the treatment of pancreatic cancer include cancer vaccines and adoptive cell transfer.