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Most cancers in the pancreas do not cause symptoms until they become large or spread to other parts of the body. Exocrine pancreatic cancer, like pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is often advanced by the time it is found.
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Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Often, one of the earliest symptoms of pancreatic cancer is jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes and darkened urine). This may happen if a tumor blocks the bile duct, or if cancer has spread to the liver. It’s caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a substance the liver makes.
Other Pancreatic Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Other common signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Feeling tired, weak or low energy
- Having belly pain or back pain
- Having pale and greasy stools
- Having less appetite and losing weight without trying to
- Vomiting or feeling nauseated after eating
- Getting an enlarged gallbladder or liver
- Getting a blood clot
- Having changes to blood sugar levels or getting type 2 diabetes, especially if you’re age 50 or older and don’t have other diabetes risk factors, like being overweight or having a family history of type 2 diabetes
The same signs or symptoms may be caused by other conditions that aren’t cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms, tell your primary care provider. They can help you figure out the cause.