If you notice unusually pale or light brown stools, this could also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Healthy stools are normally brown due to bilirubin. However, if pancreatic tumors obstruct the flow of bile, bilirubin cannot reach the intestines, and the stool becomes unusually pale. If these color changes persist, a medical evaluation is necessary, especially if symptoms of jaundice are present.
Symptom 5: Dark urine
Dark urine can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Because obstructive tumors prevent bilirubin from being excreted in the stool, it accumulates in the blood and is eventually excreted in the urine, giving it a darker color. As bilirubin levels rise, urine can change from pale yellow to amber, dark brown, or even very dark.
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Symptom 6: Itchy Skin.
The high levels of bilirubin crystals that accumulate under the skin due to pancreatic tumors can cause intense itching, even without a visible rash. The itching usually starts on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can spread widely if bilirubin deposits spread across the body's membranes. The eyes may also itch intensely and water.
Symptom 7: Abdominal pain.
Important digestive processes such as gastric emptying and the movement of food through the intestines depend on coordinated muscle movements. However, as pancreatic tumors grow, nearby organs such as the intestines and stomach can be compressed, leading to cramps. Nerves that transmit signals can also become pinched, causing severe discomfort. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, especially with other symptoms, consult a doctor.
Symptom 8: Unexplained Back Pain.
Unexplained back pain can also be a possible sign of pancreatic cancer. As pancreatic tumors grow, they can irritate or compress the network of nerves surrounding the organ. The pancreas is located near the spine, and the key nerves exiting the spinal cord run nearby. Tumor invasion of these nerves can cause back pain. While many factors can cause temporary back pain, persistent, unexplained pain in the mid or upper back warrants a medical evaluation.
Symptom 9: Nausea and Vomiting.
As tumors grow, they can also obstruct the flow of waste from the stomach, liver, and pancreas, disrupting digestive processes. These blockages can cause abdominal pain, a buildup of toxins, and difficulty passing stool, leading to severe nausea. Irritation and congestion of the vagus nerve, which helps synchronize the digestive rhythm, can cause the stomach to contract backward, resulting in vomiting.
