Six Warning Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer

Video transcript :-

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the tissues of the pancreas, most commonly from the exocrine cells.
It is an aggressive and often asymptomatic cancer in the early stages, leading to late diagnosis with poor prognosis.
It is caused by genetic mutations, including KRAS, p53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4 mutations.
Chronic inflammation is an important risk factor which promotes DNA damage and abnormal cell proliferation.
Other risk factors include smoking, which increases risk by 2 to 3 times.
Chronic pancreatitis, especially hereditary forms.
Diabetes mellitus.
Family history and genetic syndromes, including BRCA2 mutation, Lynch syndrome, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Obesity and poor diet, especially high-fat, low-fiber diets.
Older age.
Alcohol abuse, mainly through chronic pancreatitis.
So, in this video I discuss 6 signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer along with their pathological basis.
Number 1, Painless Jaundice.
Tumor in the head of the pancreas compresses the common bile duct, leading to bile accumulation.
Patients typically present with yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes.
In addition, they may also have pruritus, and may pass dark, tea colored urine and pale stools.
Number 2, Weight Loss.
Cancer cells secrete various inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6, which interfere with pancreatic enzyme secretion, leading to poor nutrient absorption.
These cytokines also cause systemic inflammation, leading to poor appetite, and malabsorption, known as cancer-induced cachexia.
Number 3, Epigastric or Back Pain.
Patients may complain of a dull, gnawing pain radiating to the back, relieved by leaning forward.
This usually occurs when the tumor infiltrates celiac plexus or retroperitoneal nerves.
It may also occur due to obstruction and pressure caused by the growing tumor itself.
Number 4, New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus.
This can occur because of 2 reasons.
The systemic inflammation caused by cytokines can lead to insulin resistance, resulting in poor glycemic control and diabetes mellitus.
Additionally, the growing tumor can damage the insulin secreting beta cells of the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes mellitus.
Number 5, Steatorrhea, or fatty Stools.
Steatorrhea refers to the passage of bulky, pale, foul-smelling stools that float on water.
Exocrine insufficiency due to destruction or obstruction of pancreatic ducts, leads to reduced lipase production.
As a result, most of the ingested lipids do not get absorbed and pass down in feces, causing steatorrhea.
Number 6, Palpable Gallbladder.
A palpable gallbladder is highly suggestive of pancreatic or biliary tract cancer, as the gallbladder is usually contracted and not palpable in stone related obstructions.

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