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Although there are many symptoms of pancreatic cancer, jaundice commonly associated with liver issues is considered one of them
The vital link between jaundice and pancreatic cancer is undeniable and plays a major role in detecting it in the early stages
Pancreatic cancer is a condition that affects the pancreas, which is a gland present in the abdomen and is responsible for digestion. It occurs when the cells present in the pancreas multiply, forming a tumour that is aggressive and challenging to detect and manage. Although there are many symptoms of pancreatic cancer, jaundice commonly associated with liver issues is considered one of them. The vital link between jaundice and pancreatic cancer is undeniable and plays a major role in detecting it in the early stages.
Dr Mohit Saxena, Consultant and HOD, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram shares all you need to know:
The link between jaundice and pancreatic cancer
Jaundice is the increase in a component of bile produced by the liver known as bilirubin. The bile duct, which carries bile from the pancreas to the liver, gets blocked due to the growth of a tumour, leading to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. According to the pancreatic cancer action network, jaundice affects 60% of newborns and is typically harmless, but if in adults, it might be a sign of something serious and life-threatening. It is often overlooked as an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer, making it important to create awareness regarding its signs and symptoms.
There are various symptoms of jaundice:
● Yellowing of the white part of eyes
● Dark yellow urine
● Pale or light-coloured stools
● Pruritus (itchy skin)
In addition to this, an individual suffering from pancreatic cancer may show signs like-
● Unexplained or sudden weight loss: It can be an early warning sign of cancer and should not be ignored,
● Loss of appetite: Reduced interest in eating and reduced hunger can point towards pancreatic cancer,
● Digestive problems: fatigue, nausea, or feeling puckish after eating fatty food can arise due to the presence of a tumour,
● Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper abdomen, which may also cause discomfort in back, is a common symptom,
● Diabetes: It can also be an important sign of pancreatic cancer as it can kill the cells that produce insulin.
Even though not everyone suffering from pancreatic cancer develops jaundice as an early sign, it is important to take it seriously along with the other symptoms. It should never be ignored, and one should seek medical help during the early stages.
To treat pancreatic cancer, various options are available depending upon the stage of the cancer and other factors. Whipple procedure, a complex surgery most used to remove pancreatic tumours. Apart from this, this anti-reflux surgery, cholecystectomy, and pancreatectomy are also used. To treat and manage the after-symptoms of the surgery, therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy are performed to provide speedy recovery and relief. Due to difficulty in detecting pancreatic cancer in early stages, the survival rates are low. It is important to stay alert and consult a healthcare provider in case any symptoms show up to avoid any serious condition.
