Pancreatic cancer: what are the warning signs?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that a lot of people may not have a lot of knowledge about but it is commonly occuring. Highly skilled consultant general and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon Mr Deepak Hariharan explains everything you need to know about this type of cancer, including warning signs and treatment.

What is pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas is a deep-seated central organ in the upper abdomen, beneath the breastbone (sternum) and it lies just in front of the spine. Its main function is to regulate the blood glucose level in the body by making insulin. It secretes enzyme-rich fluid that breaks down proteins and helps digest them.

The organ is structurally made of cells that come together to perform these functions. Once cells become abnormal (most often with age), they get deregulated to form cancer cells. These cells come together as a dysfunctional cancerous lump in the gland and as a result, pancreas cancer is formed. The most common cancer developing in the pancreas is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It affects the head of the gland in 80% of cases.

What are the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer to diagnose and is biologically very aggressive. There is a lack of reliable screening tests and an absence of early warning symptoms and signs. The common symptoms associated with pancreatic cancers include weight loss, backache, reduced appetite, vomiting, early or new onset diabetes and obstructive jaundice, The presence of symptoms raises concerns for advanced disease.

Is pancreatic cancer painful?

A large proportion of patients with pancreatic cancer present with pain and often harbour advanced or inoperable disease. Early pancreatic cancer is largely silent and asymptomatic. The symptoms of early disease are subtle and often vague. Due to this, patients often ignore / self-treat symptoms before presenting to the clinician for evaluation. Awareness of the condition is vital, while old age and smoking are risk factors for developing the disease.