Ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer have something in common. Both of these cancers are known as silent killers since they have little to no early and noticeable symptoms until the cancer has advanced. For pancreatic cancer, there are no screening tests like with colorectal cancer to find cancer before there are symptoms. It is critical that you be overly cautious if you have ANY of the 6 early warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
Vague and Confusing Symptoms
There are some early warning signs of pancreatic cancer, but they can be vague and confusing to both patients and their physicians. Sometimes they are overlooked by patients, and some of them can be confused with other conditions. It becomes twice as difficult to pinpoint them conclusively. Therefore, it is essential that you are hyper-sensitive to the 6 early warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
One more caveat: signs can be different depending on where the tumor is located in the pancreas.
Jaundice
This is easy to spot, and you should be on alert if you notice your skin and the whites of your eyes turning yellow. This is not something to ignore. Call Southwest Diagnostic Center For Molecular Imaging immediately. It usually means something serious even if it isn’t pancreatic cancer.
Dark Urine
This is a symptom that can be due to other conditions like liver or kidney disorders, certain medications, extreme exercise, UTIs, kidney stones, and certain foods. You may not be overly anxious about this, but should be if this is accompanied by any of the other symptoms.
Light Colored and Greasy Stool
This is an important one. Greasy stool indicates a problem with the pancreas. Pale-colored stools are a problem with the biliary system which is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Pain
Any pain from pancreatic cancer shows up in the upper abdomen and/or middle or upper back. It becomes worse after eating or when lying down.
Blood Clots
These may occur in the legs or arms, are painful and cause swelling.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with diabetes after the age of 50 and have any of the other signs of pancreatic cancer noted above, consult with Southwest Diagnostic Center For Molecular Imaging immediately.
Other Symptoms
These signs occur later in the spread of pancreatic cancer.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Remain proactive in your own healthcare, and contact Southwest Diagnostic Center For Molecular Imaging at (214) 345-8300 for diagnostic imaging if you notice any of the 6 early warning signs of pancreatic cancer.