Malignancy of the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is an organ that lies in the lower part of the stomach and works as endocrine as well as an exocrine gland. It produces hormones like insulin and glucagon, which helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Also, it produces digestive juices that help in the digestion of food.

Not all the growths that occur in the pancreas are cancerous ones. Some of them can be noncancerous growths too. However, ruling out the type and reaching the final diagnosis is essential.

Pancreatic cancer often does not show any symptoms until it has progressed to advanced stages. In the initial stage, it may not cause bothersome symptoms.

Therefore if you have mild stomach pain consult with the best gastroenterologist in Islamabad through InstaCare.


What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Having one or more of the following symptoms does not mean that you have pancreatic cancer. These symptoms may resemble that of pancreatitis or jaundice. Therefore, you must consult with the general physician to get an insight into the final diagnosis.

The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are as follows.


Jaundice

In almost all cases of pancreatic cancer, jaundice occurs. It represents yellowing of the skin, yellow-colored greasy stools, yellow urine, and yellow coloration in the eyes. Also, it causes itching. All these symptoms occur due to the build-up of a compound called bilirubin. Jaundice also occurs due to various other reasons like gall stones, hepatitis, and much more.


Back Pain or Belly Pain

Pancreatic cancer may spread and exert pressure on other organs causing back pain or belly pain. However, not all cases of belly pain or back pain are associated with pancreatic cancer. Other causes of it may include muscle tenderness, kidney stones, disc slip, and much more.


Weight Loss

A person with pancreatic cancer may lose a lot of pounds without any intention, or dieting.


Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of many diseases. In pancreatic cancer, they occur when cancer exerts pressure on a part of the stomach that makes it difficult for the food to pass through. It may be accompanied by severe pain.


Gall bladder Enlargement

Cancer may spread to the gall bladder and cause its enlargement, due to the obstruction of the bile duct and bile accumulation.


Liver Enlargement

Cancer of the pancreas may spread and cause liver enlargement.


Deep vein thrombosis

Pancreatic cancer may cause blood clots, which eventually cause deep vein thrombosis- a condition in which a blood clot accumulates in the blood vessel and stops the blood flow to the organ. It a highly painful condition. A thrombus can move and turn into an embolus.


Diabetes

Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that regulates blood glucose levels. Due to its malignancy, it cannot function well, hence causing diabetes. If you are suffering from these symptoms consult with the best gastroenterologist in Lahore through InstaCare.


What are the Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer?

The risk factors for pancreatic cancer are as follows.

  • Having diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Having a family history of pancreatic cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Being obese

Prevention

To protect yourself from pancreatic cancer, you must exercise the following tips.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat plenty of fruits.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Stop smoking
  • Incorporate exercise into your routine.

Conclusion

The pancreas is one of the essential organs that help our body to function well. It produces insulin and digestive juices that help in the absorption of blood sugar and digestion of foods respectively. Its malignancy can be problematic to cope with. Moreover, it may cause diabetes and extreme weight loss. Therefore, you may need to administer insulin to get rid of high blood sugar levels. If you have a complaint of oily stools with nausea and vomiting, you must visit the best general physician in Pakistan through InstaCare.