The primary function of the Pancreas (a gland organ located in the abdomen), is to secrete digestive juices into the small intestine. The Pancreas also produces a specific hormone which helps in regulating the body’s sugar levels. Cancer is, by its very nature, a stealthy disease. Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms will not appear until the disease has taken hold.

Exocrine tumours are the most common type of Pancreatic Cancer. (Exocrine refers to the enzyme producing cells which help in food digestion). These tumours make their presence felt through yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pain in the abdomen that spreads to the back and unexpected weight loss. Symptoms can be indistinct so you are advised to seek early medical attention. There are other Pancreatic Cancer symptoms that may be caused by other illnesses. It is important to take note of them, especially when they appear in a cluster as they may well be a sign of Pancreatic Cancer. These include indigestion, blood clots (typically in the deep veins in the legs or in smaller veins elsewhere in the body), fever and any bowel changes. Itching and the occasional urge to vomit are other symptoms to look out for.

A pre-existing diabetic condition may create conditions for the disease to insinuate itself into the Pancreas. Diabetes is an indication that you are not producing enough glucose regulating hormone thus creating a surfeit of sugar in the body. This sugar is expelled when passing urine and will cause these secondary symptoms that may point to the presence of Pancreatic Cancer in the body. These secondary symptoms include excess urine, thirst, weakness, chronic hunger and weight loss.

Pancreatic Endocrine Tumours (the malignant variety) are also classified as Pancreatic Cancer. Considerably less common than the exocrine variety, these form from the abnormal growth of hormone producing cells of the Pancreas and will typically cause dizziness, drowsiness and loss of energy. Other indications are the appearance of duodenal and stomach ulcers (causing severe sharp pains), black tarry faeces and diarrhea. Mouth ulcers and a skin rash causing redness, scabbing and ulceration may also indicate the presence of endocrine tumours. At this stage it is not uncommon for one to have high blood pressure.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Generally speaking Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms will also include acid reflux, diarrhea, weight loss and excess fat in the stool. Irritation and severe swelling of the skin, both high and low blood sugar counts, mouth sores and anemia could also be indicators of Pancreatic Cancer. Be on the lookout too for heart palpitations, profuse perspiration, confusion and seizures. As always do not ignore any symptoms or attempt self-diagnosis. Seek early medical attention as this is the surest way to recovery should you find yourself saddled with the disease.

Treatment Options
Although Chemotherapy, Palliative Surgery and Palliative Radiotherapy are among the traditional fallback options available to one suffering from Pancreatic Cancer, it has been shown that Integrative Treatments enhance cancer management.

Contact us to find out more on how you can benefit from Integrative Treatments. A Patient Representative will be happy to help you make an informed choice