Signs and symptoms 

Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms.  But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back

• Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice

• Weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weight loss

These symptoms are not sure signs of pancreatic cancer. An infection or other problem could also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can treat any problem as early as possible.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't occur until the disease is advanced. When symptoms do appear, they may include: 

• Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to your middle or upper back.  Pain is a common symptom of advanced pancreatic cancer. Abdominal pain occurs when a tumor presses on surrounding organs and nerves. Pain may be constant or intermittent and is often worse after you eat or when you lie down. Because many conditions other than cancer can cause abdominal pain, be sure to discuss your symptoms carefully with your doctor. 
• Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.  Unintended weight loss is a common sign of pancreatic cancer. Weight loss occurs in most types of cancer because cancerous (malignant) cells deprive healthy cells of nutrients, and this is especially true in pancreatic cancer. 
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).  About half of people with pancreatic cancer develop jaundice, which occurs when bilirubin, a breakdown product of worn-out blood cells, accumulates in your blood. Normally, bilirubin is eliminated in bile, a fluid produced in your liver. But if a pancreatic tumor blocks the flow of bile, excess pigment from bilirubin may turn your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow. In addition, your urine may be dark brown and your stools white or clay-colored. Although jaundice is a common sign of pancreatic cancer, it's more likely to result from other conditions, such as gallstones or hepatitis. 
• Itching.  In the later stages of pancreatic cancer, you may develop severe itching when high levels of bile acids, another component of bile, accumulate in your skin. 
• Nausea and vomiting.  In advanced cases of pancreatic cancer, the tumor may block a portion of your digestive tract, usually the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum), causing nausea and vomiting. 
• Digestive problems.  When cancer prevents pancreatic enzymes from being released into your intestine, you're likely to have a hard time digesting foods - especially those high in fat. Eventually, this may lead to significant weight loss - as much as 25 pounds or more - and malnutrition.