Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do develop, they may be subtle and vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer are common and can be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, symptoms that persist, worsen over time or do not have another clear explanation should be evaluated by a doctor.

Early signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Early symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Some people with pancreatic cancer experience pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. The pain may spread to the back and can become more noticeable as the tumor grows or presses on nearby nerves and organs.

Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

Pancreatic cancer can cause a loss of appetite or weight loss without trying. This may happen because this cancer affects digestion or the body's ability to use nutrients from food.

Digestive problems

Because the pancreas helps the body digest food, pancreatic cancer may cause digestive symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting or changes in bowel habits (stools may become pale, loose or oily). 

Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or weak can occur with pancreatic cancer and many other health conditions. Fatigue may be related to the cancer itself, as well as loss of appetite, weight loss or problems digesting and absorbing nutrients.

New-onset diabetes

In some people, pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas' ability to produce insulin. This may lead to new-onset diabetes or diabetes that becomes more difficult to manage.

Late signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms do not always occur in a specific order. As the cancer grows, it may block nearby organs or the bile duct, or affect other parts of the body, causing symptoms that become more noticeable.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice) can occur when a tumor blocks the bile duct and prevents bile from draining normally. This symptom is more common when a tumor develops in the head of the pancreas.

Jaundice may also cause:

• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Itchy skin

Worsening abdominal or back pain

Pain may become more persistent or severe as the tumor grows or presses on nearby nerves and organs.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting may occur if a growing tumor blocks the stomach or small intestine, making it difficult for food to pass through the digestive tract.

Increasing weakness and weight loss

As pancreatic cancer progresses, weight loss, decreased appetite and fatigue may become more pronounced.

Unexplained blood clots

Pancreatic cancer releases chemical substances that can make the blood thick and prone to clotting. This can result in clotting in large blood vessels throughout your body, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

What does pancreatic cancer feel like?

Pancreatic cancer does not feel the same for everyone. Some people do not notice any symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms occur, they may feel like changes that are easy to dismiss, such as ongoing digestive problems, discomfort in the upper abdomen or back, feeling full quickly after eating or unexplained weight loss.

Because these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, having one or more of them does not mean you have pancreatic cancer. However, symptoms that continue, worsen or occur with other changes in your health should be evaluated by a doctor.

Other conditions with symptoms similar to pancreatic cancer

Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer can also be caused by other conditions. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may consider conditions such as:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Hepatitis and other liver conditions
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diabetes
• Other digestive disorders

Your doctor may recommend blood tests, imaging tests or other evaluations to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer

Anything that increases your chance of developing pancreatic cancer is considered a risk factor. Some risk factors can be changed, while others cannot.

Risk factors you can change

Smoking and tobacco use: People who smoke are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared with people who do not smoke.

Obesity: Having obesity (a BMI of 30 or higher) may increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Risk factors you cannot change

Age: The risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age, especially after age 55.

Race: Black people have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than some other racial and ethnic groups.

Family history and inherited genetic changes: About 10% of pancreatic cancers may be related to inherited genetic changes. Some inherited conditions that can increase the risk of exocrine pancreatic cancer include:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome caused by changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
• Lynch syndrome, often associated with changes in the MLH1 or MSH2 genes
• Hereditary pancreatitis, which can be caused by changes in the PRSS1 gene

Learn more about hereditary cancer syndromes.

Diabetes: People with a long-standing history of Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas is linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, especially among people who smoke.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop pancreatic cancer. Likewise, some people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do not have any known risk factors.

When to see a doctor

Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer are common and are often caused by conditions other than cancer. However, talk with your doctor if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal or back pain
• Ongoing digestive problems
• New-onset diabetes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms
• Symptoms that persist, worsen over time or do not have another clear explanation

Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend tests to determine whether pancreatic cancer or another condition is causing them.

Pancreatic cancer screening

There is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer for people at average risk. However, people at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer may benefit from regular surveillance.

People with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or certain inherited genetic changes may be candidates for pancreatic cancer surveillance. Tests may include MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

Talk with your doctor about whether pancreatic cancer surveillance is right for you based on your family history and other risk factors.