Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine specialist at Silchar Medical College hospital in India, has identified six often-missed symptoms of pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its silence and low survival rates. He shared these warning signs on X (formerly Twitter) in a thread that has garnered over five million views, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for any chance of effective treatment.
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to catch in its early stages because it develops deep within the body, making it hard to detect during routine physical exams. The disease is considered one of the most lethal, with approximately three-quarters of diagnosed patients dying within a year. Diagnoses have reportedly increased in the UK by about a fifth since the 1990s, particularly among women under 55.
Key Symptoms to Recognize
Dr. Bordoloi highlights that patients often delay seeking medical attention for months, by which time the tumor may be inoperable. He urges the public not to ignore potential signs.
Persistent mid-back pain that radiates from the abdomen could be an indicator. This type of pain can result from a growing tumor pressing on nerves near the spine. A dull ache in the upper belly extending to the mid-back may signal a tumor at the tail of the pancreas.
Unexplained weight loss, defined as losing 5-10 kilograms without dietary changes or increased exercise, is another significant red flag. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and metabolism; a blocked function can lead to malabsorption and rapid weight loss. Cancer itself can also accelerate metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more quickly.
Sudden onset of Type 2 diabetes can also be a symptom. Tumors in the pancreas can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Notably, early research suggests that weight loss injections, like those used for diabetes or obesity, might offer a protective effect against pancreatic cancer, potentially reducing the risk by up to 50% over five years by lowering inflammation and improving metabolic control.
Sudden blood clots, especially those causing throbbing pain in the calf or thigh, can be mistaken for a pulled muscle but may indicate an underlying cancer. Tumors can release substances that increase blood's tendency to clot.
Changes in bowel movements, including constipation or diarrhea, can occur. A more specific sign is steatorrhea, characterized by pale, greasy, floating stools that have a strong odor, suggesting blocked pancreatic enzymes needed for digestion.
Jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a well-known symptom caused by a buildup of bilirubin. In pancreatic cancer, a tumor can press on the bile duct, obstructing bile flow. Dr. Bordoloi stresses that painless jaundice is a critical medical warning sign.
