Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that does not cause symptoms in the early stages, but there are some indicators that can predict its development.
Pancreatic cancer often does not show early warning signs until the tumor is large enough.
The pancreas is a gland located behind the lower part of the stomach that secretes enzymes that aid digestion, and produces hormones that help control blood sugar.
There are many types of pancreatic cancer depending on the location of the cancerous tumor. With survival rates low after a diagnosis of this type of cancer, paying attention to the early signs of the disease can be life-saving. According to Russia Today.
Dr. Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, shared a warning sign that could set off an alarm bell: itching.
This itchy skin describes a tingling feeling and an urgent need to scratch the skin.
“Whether itching is an early or late sign of pancreatic cancer depends on where the tumor has developed,” explains Dr. Lee.
If the fatal condition begins in the tail of the pancreas, itching may occur later in the disease. However, in 65% of pancreatic cancer cases, the condition begins in the head of the pancreas, so itching can appear relatively ‘early’.
And the doctor added: “When pancreatic cancer begins in the head of the pancreas, it is more likely to press on the bile ducts early on, which impedes the passage of bile to the intestines, and leads to jaundice with itching.”
And when it comes to identifying the itch of cancer, Dr. Lee said the itch will be persistent and will take over the skin of the entire body.
Furthermore, pruritus is a “common” symptom of pancreatic cancer, which affects 80 to 100% of patients with jaundice.
Jaundice describes the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, according to the National Health Service (NHS).
“The change in skin color is due to a buildup of the bile pigment, bilirubin. This is normally secreted in the intestines, but as the cancer blocks the passage, the bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream and is deposited in the skin,” said Dr. Lee.
This telltale sign of pancreatic cancer with itching appears in about 75 percent of patients, according to research published in The Official Journal of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association.
While itching alone may not necessarily indicate cancer, there are other accompanying signs that can help pinpoint a potentially fatal condition.
Dr. Lee explains that patients may notice that their stools have become light and greasy, and the color of their urine darker.
“If you notice that your skin has become yellow, and you have light stools and dark urine, you should see a doctor urgently,” recommends Dr. Lee.
According to the NHS, other main symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying.
Feeling tired or lack of energy.
– A high temperature, or feeling shivering.
Feeling sick.
Diarrhea, constipation, or other stool changes.
Pain in the upper abdomen and back.
Indigestion symptoms (such as feeling bloated).
