Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

It can be hard to spot pancreatic cancer early. Many of its symptoms are vague and they could be confused with other health problems. But knowing what to look for and understanding the different types of pancreatic cancer can help you know when to seek care.

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, we’re here to help you recognize the signs of pancreatic cancer and understand what they mean.

What are the symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer?

In early stages, pancreatic cancer may not cause symptoms that you can notice. Depending on where in the pancreas the tumor is located, it can press on nearby organs or block the bile duct as it grows. When that happens, there can be more obvious changes in your body.

Common early warning signs

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are usually the same for women and men. Watch for these possible early symptoms:

• Pain in the upper belly that doesn’t go away
• Pain that radiates to the back
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Dark, orange or brown urine
• A change in bowel habits
• Light-colored, yellow or gray stools
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or feeling weak
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in a large vein
• New-onset diabetes, especially if you are 50 or older
• Changes in your blood sugar levels

These signs don’t mean you have cancer. They could be signs of another health problem. It’s important to talk to your health care provider if you notice them, especially if they don’t improve or get worse over time.

When to talk to your doctor

See a doctor if you have any pancreatic cancer symptoms. Your health care provider can help you find out what’s causing them, whether it’s pancreatic cancer or another condition.

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or any known risk factors, pay extra attention to any changes in your digestion, energy or appetite. Bring these symptoms up during your next visit, even if they seem mild. 

Make sure your provider knows about your family history and risk factors. Catching pancreatic cancer early may give you more treatment options.

Types of pancreatic cancer

The pancreas has two main types of cells. Exocrine cells help with digestion and endocrine cells regulate hormones like insulin. Tumors can form in either cell type. Tumors act differently based on where they form and grow, so treatment and outcomes will be different.

Exocrine pancreatic cancers

Exocrine pancreatic cancers are the most common type. More than 90% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumors. These tumors affect the exocrine cells, which are specialized cells that make enzymes that help you digest food.

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): This is the most common type of exocrine cancer is It begins in the ducts of the pancreas and grows quickly.

Less common types of exocrine pancreatic cancer include:

• Adenosquamous carcinoma: This has two types of cells, gland-like cells and squamous cells.
• Acinar cell carcinoma: This type affects certain cells that release digestive enzymes.
• Colloid carcinoma: This type has cancer cells that are mainly inside a thick, jelly-like substance called mucin. 

These cancers usually grow and spread faster and they are often diagnosed at a later stage.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs)

Neuroendocrine tumors, which are also called islet cell tumors or endocrine tumors, are rare. They tend to grow more slowly than exocrine cancers. They include:

• Functional PNETs: These make hormones like insulin or gastrin that cause symptoms such as low blood sugar or ulcers.
• Non-functional PNETs: These do not make excess hormones and may not cause symptoms right away.

Treatment and outlook for these slow-growing pancreatic tumors are usually different from other pancreatic cancers.

How tumor location affects symptoms

The location of the tumor in the pancreas can affect which symptoms show up first:

• Head of the pancreas: Pancreatic head cancers are more likely to block the bile duct. They may cause jaundice, dark urine or itchy skin.
• Body or tail of the pancreas: Pancreatic tail cancers or body cancers may not cause symptoms until they get bigger and press on nerves or organs. That pressure can lead to pain or weight loss.

Understanding tumor location helps your care team decide which tests to run and the best ways to treat the cancer.

What to do if you notice symptoms

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of pancreatic cancer, don’t wait. Talk to your primary care provider or ask for a referral to a pancreatic cancer specialist at Banner MD Anderson.

The sooner we can evaluate your symptoms, the sooner we can determine next steps. Even if you’re diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, you still have options. If treatment can’t cure the disease, we provide care to help you manage your symptoms and keep your quality of life as high as possible.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer

Find out what causes pancreatic cancer, how we test for it and how it’s treated:

• Risk factors and prevention
• Tests and diagnosis
• Treatment and support services 

Request an appointment