Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually delayed because symptoms are nonspecific and are often attributed to another condition. In some cases, patients do not even notice the gradual onset of symptoms.
Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin, is present in approximately 50% of patients at the time of diagnosis and may be associated with less-advanced disease. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and glucose intolerance.
In addition, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen and back. The pancreas may produce too much insulin, causing such symptoms as dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, or muscle spasms.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 15 Aug 1999
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 15 May 2008
Pancreatic Cancer, Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer reprinted with permission from oncologychannel.com
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