Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Introduction

What cancer is also known as the silent killer and why? Let’s look at a certain type of cancer that is not only difficult to diagnosis but it seems to sneak up on it’s victims without any warning at all.

General Information About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is not only difficult to diagnosis but it is becoming more and more common with time. This disease can often be very difficult to treat and the disease can sometime be spread to other areas of the body before a diagnosis is ever determined. Many of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer can vary and some symptoms can even be consistent with other illnesses. This could lead to the person completely and totally ignoring that symptom because they may think they are just a little sick and eventually the sickness will go away.

Symptoms and Treatment

With this in mind, let’s go over some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. There are many symptoms that could be associated with this type of cancer, but some of the most common ones could be:

 Abdominal pain that may radiate into your back area

 Yellowing of the skin and/or whites of eyes which is known as jaundice

 A diagnosis of diabetes in the latter years of life

 Significant weight loss

 Vomiting and/or nausea

 Loss of appetite

As you can see, these symptoms are kind of vague and can be associated with other diseases or illnesses a person could be suffering with. Should you find yourself with any of the symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have pancreatic cancer, it just simply means you should consult with your physician as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of a disease process.

Did you know that pancreatic cancer is more common amongst people who are diabetics, smokers and those who already have inflammation of the pancreas? Those are risk factors to consider if you think you may be having any associated symptoms.

Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer certainly doesn’t put anyone in a safe place. With such a diagnosis, sometimes a patient can be fortunate enough to be in a stage where the cancer can be surgically removed. This would be something your physician would need to make a determination on after performing certain medical tests and reviewing results of those tests. If surgical treatment is your best option, your physician will provide the guidance you need to have it scheduled for you.
With or without surgery, if you receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer you can just about guarantee that it will be necessary to undergo radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments in order to maximize your chances of fighting off this terrible disease.

Although pancreatic cancer and its diagnosis are often discovered after the disease has already done much damage it doesn’t always mean you will immediately die. Prognosis is generally poor but there are treatment options available today. With successful treatment it is possible for a person to prolong their life and hopefully do so without suffering to huge degree.

Long term survival after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer isn’t something often seen. Sad but true, most people with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer end up dying within a few months to a few short years.

Considering the fact that pancreatic cancer has such a poor prognosis and is so hard to pinpoint it is always best to consult with your physician whether you feel the need to or not. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

 

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