A CT scan or US scan may not give a definitive diagnosis of pancreas cancer. However, an endoscopic ultrasound, also known as an ERCP, can help rule out gallbladder stones. The procedure allows doctors to place a camera into a pancreatic duct and detect tumor fragments. ERCPs may also be used to identify tumors located on the tail. However, these tests are not 100% accurate.
Pain is often the first symptom of pancreas cancer. Patients report pain in their upper abdomen and sometimes their back. This is because the tumor may have grown and begun pressing on the nerves that surround the pancreas. In some cases, pain may be worse when seated and exacerbated when lying down. Other patients report pain that starts in the middle of the abdomen but spreads to the back. Pain may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Patients may also experience weight loss.
Diarrhea is another symptom of pancreas cancer. Patients with pancreatic cancer may have decreased appetite, resulting in eventual weight loss. Insulin-producing cells are destroyed by cancer, making it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. As a result, patients may develop diabetes. While the disease does not typically affect the digestive system, it can impair the body’s ability to process nutrients. This lack of insulin leads to weight loss, malnutrition, and even the development of diabetes.
If you suspect you have pancreas cancer, your GP will order blood tests to check liver and kidney function. A test to check CA19.9 protein in the blood may also be used. However, the results are not always conclusive. Pancreas cancer symptoms may require surgery. Your surgeon will use a variety of treatment options, depending on the type and stage of your disease. If you have other symptoms of cancer, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
