Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer: what you need to know about early detection

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers. In the European Union, 18.7/100 000 new cases are diagnosed each year, while the mortality rate is 17.6/100 000 per year. The statistics are alarming: less than 10% have a 5-year survival rate and 80% of patients are no longer curable at diagnosis.

Early detection is key in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, the disease often acts as a „silent killer” - symptoms appear late, when the cancer is already at an advanced stage. But there are early signs to look out for.

Modern diagnostic methods, such as the advanced technologies offered by Endomedix, can provide significant help in early detection and effective treatment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of early symptoms, risk factors and diagnostic options for pancreatic cancer.

Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Abdominal pain and back pain

One of the most common early symptoms of pancreatic cancer is abdominal pain, which typically radiates to the back. This pain is different from acute pancreatitis or acute pain caused by gallstones - it is usually gradual and constant.

Features:

Constant, dull pain

Pain is worse when lying on your back

Mild when leaning forward in a sitting position

Often starts 3 months before jaundice

The pain may be caused by a blockage in the bile duct or by nerve penetration from a malignant tumour. Persistent, severe pain is often a sign that the tumour can no longer be removed by surgery.

Painless jaundice

The 70%-a of tumours in the head of the pancreas causes jaundice. This is a particularly characteristic symptom as the tumour compresses the bile duct. Tumours in the body or tail of the pancreas rarely cause jaundice unless they have metastasised to the liver.

Accompanying symptoms:

Itch

Light coloured stools

Dark urine

Biliary disorders

Weight loss

Almost all pancreatic cancer patients experience a weight loss of more than 10%. This is usually due to loss of appetite and insufficient calorie intake.

Okai:

Loss of appetite

Gastro-void disorders (occurs in 60%)

Decrease in pancreatic enzyme production

Indigestion

Development of diabetes

More than 60% of pancreatic cancer patients develop diabetes. In most patients, glucose intolerance first appears in the two years before the cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the malignant tumour is the cause of the diabetes.

Digestive problems

Digestive disorders may occur due to a decrease in the production of pancreatic enzymes:

Fatty stools (steatorrhoea)

Bloating

Vomiting

Digestive difficulties

Risk factors

Lifestyle factors

Smoking and alcohol consumption:

Smoking predisposes to both intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the biliary tract), while alcohol is more associated with the intrahepatic form.

Nutritional factors:

Butter, saturated fats

Red meat consumption

Obesity (especially abdominal obesity)

Blood type A/B

Diseases and conditions

Chronic diseases:

Chronic pancreatitis

Diabetes

Gallstones (especially in symptomatic cases)

Helicobacter pylori infection

Genetic factors:

Lynch syndrome

BAP1 tumour predisposing syndrome

Cystic fibrosis

Multiple biliary papillomatosis

Occupational hazards

People working in certain industries are at increased risk:

Automotive industry

Rubber industry

Chemical industry

Wood processing

Diagnostic methods

Laboratory tests

CA 19-9 tumour marker:

This test is useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment if it was elevated at the time of diagnosis. However, it is not in itself suitable for making a diagnosis.

Additional laboratory parameters:

Amylase and lipase levels (elevated in some cases)

Liver function tests

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) level

Imaging studies

CT scan:

Detects pancreatic tumours with 80% sensitivity

Pancreas protocol: slice thickness of 3 mm

Native, arterial, parenchymal and venous phase

Identifies non-removable lesions with a positive predictive value of 98%

MRI scan:
It is recommended if there is vascular invasion or unknown liver lesions.

Endoscopic examinations:

EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound): An excellent method for assessing pancreatic masses and lymph node involvement

ERCP: 90% has sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies

The role of Endomedix in diagnostics

Endomedix offers advanced technology solutions for early detection and minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic cancer. Advanced diagnostic tools can improve patient outcomes through early detection.

Treatment options

Surgical treatment

Removable for tumours:

Pancreatic head tumour: PPPD (Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy)

Body/tail tumour: distal pancreas resection +/- splenectomy

Lymph node removal (>15 lymph nodes for appropriate pathological staging)

Preoperative treatment:
Biliary drainage is recommended if cholangitis is present or surgery is not possible within 2 weeks of diagnosis.

Chemotherapy

Adjuvant chemotherapy:

5-FU/folic acid or gemcitabine for 6 months

Borderline cases: gemcitabine/FOLFIRINOX combination treatment

Supportive treatment

Symptom management:

Pancreatic enzyme supplementation

Pain relief (coeliac plexus blockade)

Food aid

Prevention and lifestyle

Risk mitigation factors

Lifestyle changes:

Stopping smoking

Moderate alcohol consumption

Maintaining a healthy weight

Regular physical activity

Nutrition:

Reducing saturated fats

Red meat consumption reduction

Lots of fruit and vegetables

Preference for wholegrain cereals

Regular checks

People in high-risk groups need regular medical check-ups:

Family history of pancreatic cancer

Genetic predisposing syndromes

Chronic pancreatitis

Frequently asked questions

When should I see a doctor?

You should seek medical advice immediately if:

Painless jaundice occurs

Abdominal pain radiates to the back and does not go away

Unwarranted weight loss occurs

New onset of diabetes over 50

What tests are needed?

First steps:

Taking a detailed anamnesis

Physical examination

Basic laboratory tests

Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan

Is there a family predisposition?

Yes, certain genetic syndromes increase the risk. If there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, consult a genetic counsellor.

How long does it take to develop the disease?

Pancreatic cancer usually develops slowly, over a period of years. However, symptoms often only appear at an advanced stage.

The importance of early detection

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer improves significantly if it is detected early. Doctors working in Endomedix gastroenterology centres can help with early detection and the development of an effective treatment plan.

The benefits of early detection:

Better chances of survival

More treatment options

Better quality of life

Fewer complications

Summary of warning signs:

Persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back

Painless jaundice

Unnecessary weight loss

New diabetes over 50

Digestive problems

If any symptoms persist, do not delay consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis can be life-saving. The experts at Endomedix can help you develop the right diagnostic plan and apply the latest treatment methods.

Remember: the most important weapon against pancreatic cancer is early detection and quick action. If you have questions, feel free to contact the experts at Endomedix who will help you find the best diagnostic and treatment path for you.