Pancreatic cancer is a highly fatal disease, and its early signs are often overlooked, resulting in many patients being diagnosed in the advanced stages.
Often by the time pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, the cancer has already spread to surrounding tissues or other organs, making it an advanced-stage disease that cannot be surgically removed. Treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, which aim to manage symptoms and slow progression, but these approaches do not offer a cure. Surgery remains a potential treatment option when the cancer is detected very early, in a localized state.
The combined percentage of all patients living five years after diagnosis is only 12 percent. Patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer typically survive for around one year post-diagnosis. For those diagnosed before the tumor has grown extensively or spread, the average survival time is 3 to 3 1/2 years. About 10 percent of patients who receive an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be cured after treatment.
This makes early detection all the more vital for treatment and prognosis.
Case Analyses of Early Symptoms
The following four clinical cases illustrate possible early signs of pancreatic cancer.Case 1: Symptoms Resembling Diabetes
Mr. Lee, 58, had previously been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and was undergoing treatment. Despite having no family history of the condition and maintaining regular lifestyle habits, he suddenly developed symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and significant weight loss.Later, he came to me seeking treatment for lower back pain, hoping to alleviate it through traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture. However, during the treatment, I noticed that he had very mild jaundice, so I suggested that he see an internal medicine doctor.
After examination, it was found that Mr. Lee did not have diabetes or a herniated lumbar disc, but rather early-stage pancreatic cancer. His pancreatic tumor was close to the gallbladder, which caused him to develop jaundice.
Case 2: Fatigue and Depression
Ms. Wong, 45, was cheerful and enjoyed a harmonious family life with no health issues. However, she began experiencing fatigue and emotional lows, lacking the energy for any activities. At times, she felt deeply saddened, even becoming tearful.Suspecting she might be experiencing symptoms of depression, she visited a psychiatrist. Upon examination, it was confirmed that she exhibited all the typical signs of depression—reduced appetite, weight loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, lack of interest in activities, and insomnia. She was prescribed antidepressant medication, but there was no improvement. She also tried psychotherapy, but the psychiatrist could not identify any specific psychological cause.
Some of Ms. Wong’s symptoms raised concern for us. She often experienced abdominal pain, which, although not severe, radiated to the surrounding areas. Additionally, she developed severe acid reflux and experienced bloating in the abdomen.
In such cases, it is important to consider the possibility of other factors causing depression, one of which may be a tumor. The presence of a tumor can lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines. This can, in turn, affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and adrenaline, both of which play a role in regulating mood. Furthermore, tumors can activate certain neuroinflammatory cells, leading to a rapid increase in stress response affecting the brain and adrenal glands, thereby raising the risk of depression.
After a series of examinations, Ms. Wong was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Fortunately, it was discovered relatively early, and she underwent a partial resection surgery, which was successful.
Case 3: Diarrhea and Constipation
Mr. Wang, 60, had been in good health. However, he suddenly developed chronic diarrhea, with occasional constipation. The presence of both diarrhea and constipation indicates irritable bowel syndrome, a condition often associated with mood swings and psychological stress. However, Mr. Wang did not report any emotional issues.Therefore, we advised him to undergo further examination to investigate any other potential issues. During a colonoscopy, a localized obstruction in his intestines was found, caused by a tumor originating from the pancreas. Given the early detection, prompt surgical intervention followed by additional treatments was expected to yield a favorable prognosis.
Case 4: Unhealthy Diet
Mr. Zhang was obese due to his longstanding unhealthy eating habits, which included a preference for fried foods, sugary drinks, meat, and sweets, as well as prolonged periods of inactivity. Recognizing the health risks associated with obesity, he decided to improve his diet. He then experienced rapid weight loss, to the point where he became somewhat underweight. He also experienced a decreased appetite, pronounced fatigue, low mood, and decreased energy levels. Mr. Zhang went to the hospital for tests, but no specific reasons for his symptoms were found.After experiencing sudden abdominal cramps, he went to the emergency room, where a CT scan revealed a pancreatic mass, later diagnosed as pancreatic cancer.
Possible Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The cases above remind us to stay vigilant about the possibility of pancreatic cancer if the following symptoms arise:- Sudden increases in blood sugar
- Unexplained depression
- Rapid weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
- Abdominal or back pain
- Persistent gastrointestinal issues
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