Verified on 04/15/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that affects the cells of the pancreas which secrete digestive enzymes. It develops from healthy cells that undergo abnormal changes and multiply uncontrollably to form a mass called a malignant tumor or cancer.

The main symptoms include loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and severe, chronic stomach pain, which may radiate to the ribs, back and neck. spine.

However, these symptoms often only appear at an advanced stage of the disease, as explained by the National Cancer Institute.

It is therefore crucial to be aware of other warning signs which, cumulatively, can arouse suspicion as to the possible presence of pancreatic cancer.

Nausea and vomiting

In case of pancreatic cancer, the patient may be subject to nausea and vomiting on a regular basis.

These symptoms can occur at any time, with no apparent link to the food consumed or strenuous physical activities that could trigger them.

Diarrhea and constipation

In addition to nausea and vomiting, pancreatic cancer patients may also experience diarrhea or chronic constipationthat is to say they occur recurrently.

These symptoms are not necessarily linked to the type of food consumed, but rather are attributable to a dysfunction of the digestive system caused by the cancer.

Digestive disorders

Since the digestive system is often affected in cases of pancreatic cancer, it is not surprising that the patient’s digestion is often difficult.

In most cases, the latter will have difficulty digesting their meals, whatever their composition, which can lead to problems. bloating important and as well as gases.

Fatigue

Intense and persistent, even chronic, fatigue is a common symptom in many illnesses, but it can also be a telltale sign of pancreatic cancer.

This sign is all the more worrying if it persists even after a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is often accompanied by generalized weakness throughout the body.

The formation of thromboses

This last symptom turns out to be more serious than the others and consists of the formation of thromboses. Indeed, in the case of pancreatic cancer, it is possible that clots form in the blood vessels, veins or arteries, mainly located in the lower part of the body.

It should be emphasized that a complete diagnosis is essential to confirm the presence of pancreatic cancer in a patient.

Clémence Tingry

Journalist

April 15, 2024, at 11:11 a.m.

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